Once Savi is out of earshot, she turns to Pam. Before she can say anything, Pam starts talking. “That kid is hysterical. She had all the kids at the park mesmerized.”

Though Crystal and Savi share the occasional sacred moment, it’s Pam she likes to spend time with. It’s Pam who takes her to do fun things. Crystal is just the mom who works too much and tries to keep it all together, erasing memories of her dead father, living in a fancy house, and still …

So many secrets she’s kept.

A moment later, Savi bounds back down the stairs and holds up her hands. “All clean. Want to smell?”

Crystal shakes her head. “I believe you.”

“What’s that?” Pam interrupts her train of thought and her eyes travel down to the flyer still clutched in Crystal’s fist. Savi snatches it before she can say anything. Her daughter’s eyes grow large and fearful.

“This is for Jackson?” She looks between Pam and Crystal. “Are we going?”

“I am.” Crystal wants to be there for her friend, of course, but it’s more complicated than that.

Pam moves closer. “Can I see?” She peeks at the flyer, her full lips moving as she reads the words. “Is her son missing? Oh my God, how awful.” Her hand clasps over her mouth. “Come on, Savi. Let’s get you a snack.” Pam steers Savi away distractedly and moves around comfortably in their kitchen. Has Crystal been too accommodating with her? Have the lines blurred between who’s in charge and who isn’t?

Before she knows what she’s doing, she crumples the flyer and tosses it into the trash. “I’m going out.”

“But we just got back!” Savi stomps back into the hallway. “Why do you always leave?”

Pam mindlessly bites into a carrot as she prepares lunch.

The statement smacks her in the chest. “Honey, I’m not always leaving.”

“Yes, you are!” Savi balls her fists. “You never want to be where I am.” Savi throws a carrot onto the ground. Pam picks it up and tosses it into the trash.

“Hey, Savi. That’s not true.” Crystal crosses to where she’s standing and kneels in front of her. “Look at me. I always want to be where you are. I’m still just juggling work and home, okay? It’s a lot. That’s why we have Pam. She’s our special helper.” Crystal crushes her daughter in a hug and releases her.

She looks at Pam. “Can I talk to you outside for a second?” Crystal jerks her head toward the front door.

“Sure.” Pam wipes her hands on a dish towel and smiles at Savi. “You’ve got to help me make a bunny rabbit when I get back.”

“I’ll get the dates and the cashews!”