When my mom got back from the hospital, I tearfully told her what happened while we packed our things. She didn’t need any more stress. She wouldn’t talk to me about Bethany or my father, and that told me just how upset she really was.

I was trying to put on a brave face for Ken because I didn’t want him to worry.

Ellis called for a car to come pick us up. I rode in the back with Ken.

“Mommy, are we homeless?” he asked, tugging at my sleeve. ...