Anna clicked off the phone and thought about the lovely young man her daughter had been married to. Clare still loved him so much. This whole situation would be easier if she could hate him or blame him for the end of what had been a beautiful marriage. But it wasn’t that simple. If it had been, Clare wouldn’t hurt like she did.

Clare didn’t leave her room again that evening.

At around ten, her mother knocked on the study door to check on her. “Are you all right?”

Clare looked up from the rocking chair where she sat with Frannie’s journal. “I’m fine. I’m sorry about earlier. I’ll talk to the girls in the morning.”

“There’s no need. They understand. Jack called to make sure you got home. I told him you’d call him in a day or two.”

“Thanks. I couldn’t deal with that tonight.”

“That’s what I figured. What’ve you got there?” Anna asked with a nod at the book.

Clare explained about the journal Frannie had kept. “It’s helping me to put some pieces together.”

“Do you think you should be looking at that tonight? You’ve had a difficult day.”

“It’s okay. I’ll see you in the morning, Mom. Thanks for everything. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Just holler if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Anna closed the door, and Clare went back to the journal, unable to resist feasting on Frannie’s words.

February 14

Jamie came over, bringing gifts as he always does. He’s forever dropping by to check on us, and he always has something for the girls. Today he brought them everything to make ice cream sundaes. He had roses for me, and the card said, “Thank you for all you’re doing to take care of my favorite girls. Love, Jamie.” I know I must have blushed fifty shades of red, but it was so sweet of him.

March 22

Maggie told me she’s made a new friend. She wasn’t sure how to tell her friend about what’s wrong with her mother. We had a long talk, but I could tell she’s still worried. When I began to notice the girls never bring their friends home anymore, I decided to talk to Jack about making some changes around here. It’s time to think about moving Clare somewhere else so the girls can have their home back. Broaching that subject makes me nervous, but he needs to hear it.

May 12

A year since Clare’s accident…

May 31