“Go back to bed, Sophie.” He commands softly, and I know it’s a huge hint that he wants to be left alone. I’m obviously making him feel agitated with my silent sitting here, which wounds me. I get up automatically without thinking, bruised and scalded by his rejection and close to tears. Little kid Sophie impulsively walks off instead of facing the problem, but my feet won’t move. An invisible barrier is holding me still and urging me to stay.

My heart and soul are sitting ...