“You’re right,” Cindy said. “I’m not her mother, I never will be her mother, but I am a stable female with children around the same age. And Gabe is part of my family, so she’s family as well. Even if it’s just for a few months, just until Juleen can absorb the enormity of what happened, I’m happy to help. You need to settle back into your own life, Devek. You need time to think. Why don’t you let Juleen stay with Koby and me for … maybe six months, and then you’ll reevaluate?”

“I’ll help out,” Gabe said.

“I know you will, but this takes the responsibility off your shoulders.” Cindy turned to Juleen. “I guess we should ask what you want.”

“I would like to stay with you, Cindy, if it’s no bother.”

“Bother?” Cindy laughed. “You and Sanjay are the quietest kids I’ve ever met. You did nothing but read, which is great. Could you rub some of that diligence off on my sons? And maybe they can rub some of their boisterousness off on you.”

With tear-stained cheeks, Juleen managed a small smile.

Sanjay said, “I want to go home with Father.”

Juleen said, “I know, Sanjay. And he wants you to go home with him. But I want to stay here.”

Devek was furious. “You don’t even know what it’s like to live here.”

“Maybe I don’t, Father, but let me try. I’m smarter than you think.”

“Smart isn’t the issue.” He shook his head. “Who’s going to pay for your support, Juleen?”

Donatti said, “I can do that.” He turned to Cindy. “Whatever she needs.”

“Thank you,” Cindy said.

“I didn’t agree to anything,” Devek said.

“Yeah, but you will,” Donatti retorted. “I’m not a great father, Dev, but neither are you. We’re very different. But we’re men and in one way we’re similar. If I’d been a better husband, Terry would have never left me. And ditto for you. If Juleen wants to stay here in the United States, let her do it. Don’t fight her. She’ll resent you for the rest of your life.”

Devek said, “Like you know so much about human nature.”

Donatti sighed. “Obviously I don’t, or Terry would still be alive.”

Devek said nothing.

Juleen walked over and took her father’s hands in hers. She talked through tears. “Please, Father. I will write every day. I will call you every day. I will work hard, and I will make you proud of me. Please, can I stay here for a while? I promise I’ll be good.”

“You don’t have to promise to be good.” Devek’s eyes filled with tears. “You are good. You are actually too good.” He wiped his eyes. “To stay here. Is this what you really, really want?”