“That makes no sense,” Clara said. “Why would you agree?”
“Because I was injured, confused, and afraid. Because Evelyn is very good at making a cage look like shelter.” He swallowed. “And because a week later, your mother received an anonymous payment large enough to save the house after my medical bills had nearly ruined us. I thought if I came home, that money would vanish and the accusations would begin.”
Clara stepped back, shaking.
“Mom would have chosen you over the house.”
“I know that now.”
“No,” she said, tears spilling. “You should have known it then.”
Thomas bowed his head.
There was no answer that could make it right.
The wind rattled the old observatory windows. Somewhere in the distance, a bird called once and fell silent.
I looked at my father, this man returned from a grave he had not occupied.
