I came home to visit my elderly mother, but when I offered to help bathe her, she flinched in terror.

Julian knew my story. He knew I blamed myself for leaving home after college. He knew I’d missed birthdays, holidays, and countless Sunday dinners because of trials and investigations. He’d used that absence to construct a narrative in which he was the loyal kid and I was the selfish one.

He knew exactly which wounds to press.

“I won’t let it distract me,” I said.

I helped Mom into the guest bedroom and locked the door from the inside. The room had a high window overlooking the backyard. I checked that it opened easily in case the officers needed another way in.

Then I walked downstairs.

Julian and Chloe were sitting at the dining room table.

Three plaques had been placed beneath the chandelier. An open bottle of red wine lay between them. Julian had removed his jacket and rolled up the sleeves to his elbows, presenting the image of a tired caregiver trying to enjoy a quiet family meal.

Chloe smiled coldly.

– How is she?

“Exhausted”.

“She has rough nights,” Julian said. “The doctor calls it sunset.”

“Which doctor?”

Its fork stopped.

“Dr. Halpern.”

She had met Dr. Halpern once. He was her mother’s cardiologist, not a neurologist.

“When was she diagnosed with dementia?”

Julian leaned back.

“I didn’t say dementia.”

– You said sunset.

“It’s a symptom.”

– About what?

Chloe lowered her wine glass.

“This is exactly why your visits are disruptive. You arrive unannounced, interrogate everyone, and upset your mother.”

“I asked a question.”

“You’ve been up there for almost an hour.”

“Mom needed help.”

“She needs consistency,” Chloe broke down. “Not a daughter who plays at being a hero for a weekend.”