“But I was really sad when you were gone,” she said, gripping him tighter. “Everyone goes away from me.”

Becky felt the stab of pain in her heart for a little girl who was caught up in an untenable situation. She saw the pain cross Barry’ face, and she went to him and put one hand on his back and one hand on Abby.

“Not me,” she whispered into the girl’s ear.

But she would one day, wouldn’t she? She couldn’t promise Abby that she wouldn’t leave, not ...