Too many ways to answer that question. “No, but I’m a mother. He’s not related to you, and you’ve been alone with him a lot. I just want to make sure.”

“Related to me doesn’t have anything to do with creepy.”

“What do you mean?”

A quick backtrack. “Nothing.”

“Juleen, what do you mean? Tell me!”

She sighed. “He’s not like Uncle Pramod.”

My heart started racing. “Why? What did Uncle Pramod do?”

“Nothing, Mommy. But he is creepy.”

“How?” I persisted.

She began to imitate him. “You look beautiful, Juleen. You look just like your mother, Juleen. If I were younger, Juleen—”

“Oh, dear God—”

“He’s a dirty old man.”

“I’ll kill him,” I said. Or better yet, I’ll ask Chris to do it. “Did he touch you?”

“No. Never.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“And what could you have done? He’s the head of the family. Father would never listen to me over him.” She frowned. “Why doesn’t Uncle Pramod like Father?”

“He does like Father, Juleen.”

“Then why doesn’t he give him money?”

“Because your father promised him that he wouldn’t gamble. And then he did.”

“He’s punishing him?”

“I think so, yes.” For a variety of reasons, one that has nothing to do with gambling.

“Why doesn’t Daada help?”

“Daada is old now. He does whatever Pramod tells him to do.”

“But Father is Daada’s son too.”

“Yes, but he’s the younger son.”

“Well, I think it’s stupid.”

“I do too.”

She looked at me with her big dark eyes. “You’re divorcing Father, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.” I took her hand and kissed it. “I’m so sorry.”

She shrugged. “Is it because of Chris?”

“No, not at all. I contacted a lawyer before any of this happened.”

“Is it because of Father’s gambling?” she asked.

“Yes, and other things.”

“What other things?”

“Too many questions, Juleen.”

“Do you like Chris?” Before I could think of an answer, she said, “He likes you.”

“Why? What did he tell you?”

“Nothing specific. I can just tell.” She laid her little head on my shoulder. “I missed you so much, Mommy.”

The tears came. “I missed you, too, my little kharagosh. I can come every day now after your studies and stay with you until you go to bed.”

“Why can’t you stay with me all the time?”

I sighed. “It will interfere with your studies.”

“It’s Chris, right? He wants you to stay with him.” She looked down. “I told you he likes you.”

“There are physical things I still can’t do, priya. He takes care of me. And I think Chris is right about one thing. You should do your homework.”

“Will you help me with my homework instead of Chris?”