Crystal sat down beside Clark. He was clutching his toy gorilla, and tears were streaming down his face. “Why is Mommy so late?” he cried.

“I don’t know,” Crystal admitted. “Hopefully, she will be here by the time you wake up. Why don’t you put on your pajamas? I could read some more stories to you, and we could fall asleep together. Would you like that?”

Clark nodded and said, “Thank you, Aunt Crystal. I love you.”

Crystal smiled and kissed him on the forehead. “I love you too.”

****

Nathan waited for a half-hour before he angrily gave up on Crystal. He took a cold shower to calm his...