He admitted that he had first met Brenda during a period when single parenthood felt completely overwhelming. “It seemed almost miraculous that someone so organized wanted to step into our chaotic little life,” Brandon confessed while holding a cup of coffee.
“Your life wasn’t a disaster, Brandon,” Rosalyn reassured him gently.
“There was cereal stored in the silverware drawer, doctor,” Brandon replied with a faint smile.
“All right, maybe things were slightly chaotic,” Rosalyn conceded.
Brandon’s face became serious again. “How could I not notice what she was doing around my daughter?”
“Because she presented herself as someone loving and dependable, not someone you needed to fear,” Rosalyn explained. “The warning signs seem obvious now because you already know what happened, but at the time, you only saw separate pieces that didn’t appear connected.”
Brandon remained quiet for several moments before asking, “Why do you think Chloe told you about pouring those drops away instead of telling me?”
