“What are you saying? Ruth, we’re nothing like them.”

“Just go, Jon. Please. Just go.”

I’m too tired to fight anymore. I get out of the car and stand in the middle of the quiet cul-de-sac, staring as Ruth drives away. Simon’s been found at last, which means Grace—or Zoe—is closer to being rescued and Ruth wants to leave me for good: seismic change squeezed into a few short moments. I’m aware Dr. Bunce will be watching, but I don’t care. I hate to think how she’s probably been leading Ruth, encouraging her to leave me when she doesn’t even fucking know me, doesn’t know us, not really. Suddenly I remember the satisfying weight of my dad’s old golf club in my hands as I swung at Meg’s windows, how the sound of breaking glass was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard. It was a stupid thing to do but, Jesus, it felt good.

I glance back at Dr. Bunce’s front room before I make myself breathe out, sit on the curb to put my sneakers on, and calm the fuck down. I don’t want to go to my car, not yet. I want to stay here for a little while longer, as though by being here what happened will start to make some sense. Above me, a group of screaming swifts duck and dive for invisible insects. I see Ruth’s point more than I let on. I think she knows I get it, that’s what drives her so insane. Our marriage is hanging by a thread and the one thing she asks of me to help save it, I fuck up. But when I think about stopping, like Ruth wants me to, I realize my reasons for wanting to help run too deep. At first, I only wanted Grace’s safe return and, if I’m totally honest with myself, my redemption. But now I’m starting to understand the power Meg and Grace have over the whole town. I think about Mr. Leeson, Zara, and Maggie at the night search. These people, brought together by Meg and Grace. Meg and Grace were protected and cared for like broken children by the whole community. They were a common cause, a tiny family everyone could fight for, everyone could love. I didn’t know it at the time, but I understand more now. My article did more than bruise Meg and Grace, it insulted everyone in Summervale, and they retaliated with a smear campaign, baiting me with the one thing they knew I couldn’t ignore: my son. I don’t think their response was justified, but perhaps my article wasn’t either. This isn’t about Simon, Meg, and Grace, it’s about the bigger family, it’s about people fighting for their lost community, for their lost identity. That’s why all this is so important. That’s what I can’t explain to Ruth, because she wouldn’t understand. She was raised just outside Summervale, she’s one of them. When I defended Simon, I was attacking her hometown for supporting Meg and Grace, and deep down I don’t think she’s ever forgiven me.