Cody retaliated, “And I got it from my father. If you’re curious.”

Linford went silent, embarrassed.

The gardener saw Cristelle’s red eyes, asking curiously, “Mrs. Bradley, what happened to your eyes? Are you feeling okay?”

Candace stood before Cristelle, “Mom’s very okay. You don’t need to ask.”

Cristelle knew the little girl was trying to protect her, which sounded sweet. She turned to smile at the gardener, “Thanks for asking. I just didn’t get much sleep last night.”

The gardener nodded, “Of course. I’m glad to know you’re okay. Enjoy your morning, Ma’am.”

Candace brought Cristelle under the flower racks. They sat for a while in the morning breeze, and...