After my in-laws turned my 11-year-old daughter's puppy into her dinner, my mother-in-law forced her to the table. "That dog is gone! Stop crying and eat your dinner!" she sneered.

Julia pushed past Margaret, but the garage door was bolted within. Frank opened it slowly. No dog rushed out. Cedar, motor oil, and venison filled the space. An empty kennel stood by his bench. Margaret pointed at it as proof. Frank studied the floor. Julia asked about the bones on Lily's plate. "Deer ribs," he said. Margaret snapped, "You weren't supposed to tell her yet." Their marriage split across that sentence. Frank accused Margaret of using terror because talking no longer worked. She accused him of letting Julia "float through grief while everyone else paid." Then, Owen's car entered the drive with Lily in back. Julia had broken her promise to keep Lily away. Lily saw the kennel and covered her ears. Frank moved toward her, but Julia stopped him. Owen said Lily insisted after Julia's voicemail cut off. Margaret opened the car door in her church voice. "Honey, come inside." Lily stared at her. "Only if Grandpa tells me why Sadie cried in his truck." Frank sat on the garage step.