that Brandon’s well-being is what’s important here.” His father finished this thought while seeming to both make eye contact with his mother, and avoid it, all at once.

“That was never in question,” his mother replied. Greta seemed poised to speak, and then stopped, barely concealing a trace of smirk. “It’s utterly reasonable that he would want to spend more time with–” a pause, and a glance directed at Greta — “his father.” She looked to Llewelyn, whose face registered no trace of emotion. “I would hope, however…that we can agree on…timing.”

Negotiating the terms of my release, Brandon would, much later, imagine himself having said.

She cleared her throat. “What I would suggest, is — a trial period. He would stay with you for six months, we would keep the lines of communication open…and then we would revisit this.” She looked over at him. He fought an impulse to avoid eye contact.

“That sounds reasonable.” His father looked again to Greta, who nodded. “I think that itshould begin tonight.”