Ezra told me to just steer clear of his mother while I’m here, that Judy will take care of everything, but Judy is nowhere to be seen. I can’t just leave her out here if she doesn’t know enough to go inside on her own.

I put my bag down and start a slow approach across the lawn. “Willa?” I say, as cheerfully as possible. “It’s me, June.” This time I definitely do not want her to think I’m my mother. She looks up, confusion on her face, which doesn’t clear even when I’m standing right in front of her. “I think you should go inside. Get out of the sun. It’s very hot out here.”

She gives a weak nod and lets me take her by the arm and help her up. She’s unsteady on her feet and leans against me as we make our way into the stone cottage. It’s cool in the kitchen, and she breathes a soft sigh of relief.

“Why don’t you go sit down in the living room, and I’ll bring you a glass of water?” I offer.

She turns and shuffles off. I go in search of a glass and then, when I find one, fill it to the brim with cold water. Not sure if she’s eaten anything all day, I make her a plate with some grapes and crackers, just in case.

She’s sitting in her chair by the window, staring out at the yard, her hands folded in her lap. I place the plate and glass down on a small side table so that it’s within reach.

She looks up at me, and I can’t tell if she’s still in the present or has disappeared again.

“I could have forgiven him if it weren’t for the girl,” she says quietly.

“Could have forgiven who?” I ask.

“West. I could have forgiven him.” She shakes her head. “But it’s all because of her. The girl. If it hadn’t been for the girl.”

“I’m sorry, Willa, but I don’t know what girl you’re talking about.”

She laughs while at the same time tears appear in her eyes. “Why are you doing this to me?” The tears being to fall now. “What do you want from me? I already gave you everything.” She points at me. “You took everything. All I have left is my son, and you can’t take him too. Do you understand?” She clenches her hands into fists. “I will not let you take him.”