“I knew you’d ask questions.”
“So, you decided to control where Oliver and I would be instead.”
“I wasn’t trying to control you.”
“You planned where our son would be, where I would be, and when I was allowed to learn that our home was in trouble.”
Jason looked down.
“You weren’t protecting me. You were managing me.”
He had no answer.
A knock sounded at the door.
Diane stood outside.
“I need to explain.”
“You had that chance at the school.”
“I know.”
“Then explain why you used someone else’s name.”
Her face flushed.
“Jason didn’t tell me to do that.”
“I didn’t ask whether he did.”
Diane looked down.
“I knew they wouldn’t release Oliver to me.”
“So, you deliberately tried to get around the rule.”
“Yes.”
“Whose name did you use?”
“A woman Jason had mentioned from work.”
Jason stood.
“Mom, she isn’t on Oliver’s list.”
“I know now that she isn’t.”
