Savi massages her sore elbow and obliges. Once she’s out of earshot, Pam takes a breath. “I’m sorry, Crystal. I cleared the boxes earlier, and I was just going to put them in the garage for you. But then Savi got really upset and said she just wanted them to disappear. She found the matches and lit one. I extinguished it, but then she must have lit one again right before we left.”

Crystal takes a step closer and Pam actually flinches. “So you’re telling me that you dragged my husband’s boxes outside for no particular reason, and then Savi set a fire without you knowing?” She cocks her head and studies this young girl’s face. “Why are you lying for her?”

Pam stays silent.

“Have you also been swiping Paul’s stuff? His watch and medals?”

She looks at her toes. “I’m so sorry, I—”

“You’re fired. Pack your belongings and get out of my house.” Crystal motions for her to leave.

Pam turns and tears spill from her eyes. “Can I say good-bye at least?”

“No. Go.” Crystal knows the damage that will come from yanking Pam away without explanation, but this is too much. Whether she did it by herself or she’s covering up for Savi, both are unacceptable.

“Crystal, please…”

“Leave!”

Inside, Pam gathers her purse and turns to say something. Crystal stabs her finger toward the front hall and then, when she doesn’t move, stalks past her, opens the front door, and waits until she’s on the other side.

“If I could just explain—”

Crystal slams the door and stands in the foyer, stunned. What in the world just happened? All of the recent mishaps pile onto each other until she can’t make sense of anything. Finally, she climbs the stairs to Savi’s room. She doesn’t even knock. Savi sits cross-legged on the bed, reading a book.

“Why did you do that?” she asks.

“Do what?” Savi asks.

She looks so innocent, Crystal is almost fooled. “Drag all those boxes outside. Start that fire. Ruin all of your father’s possessions. Tell me the truth.”

She closes the book. “I didn’t. I promise.”

Crystal waits for more. When she doesn’t say anything, Crystal has to remind herself that she’s the adult here.

“Where’s Pam?”

“Fired.”

Savi’s eyes grow wide. “Fired?” She jumps off the bed. “Is she already gone?”

“Yes, she is.” Crystal almost hesitates but forges ahead. “You won’t see her again.”

Savi turns in the door. “But you can’t fire her! She’s my only friend!” Savi’s voice rises as she rushes down the stairs. “Pam! Pam!”

Crystal sighs and follows her. “She’s gone, Savi.”

Savi whips around in the hallway, and her eyes are fierce and dark. “You can’t fire Pam. I need her. Please.”