Evelyn gave Adrian a sealed letter Caroline wrote before her death.

He had read other letters.

Not this one.

Marked:

WHEN MAISIE HAS TO SHARE YOU

Adrian opened it.

Caroline wrote:

Someday you may love someone else. I hope you do.

He cried immediately.

If you have another child, Maisie may become jealous, loud, needy, difficult, or unfair. That will not mean she is dangerous. It may mean she is six, eight, twelve, or simply grieving again.

Adrian stopped.

Caroline continued:

Do not let a new baby turn Maisie into the old family member who is supposed to understand everything.

Then:

And do not let guilt make you overindulge her either. She needs parenting, not worship.

Balanced.

Caroline knew him.

The final line:

If two children ever seem to be competing for safety, an adult has failed before either child did.

Adrian folded the letter.

The doghouse had made that literal.

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