I turned toward my son.
He remained in the corner with his hands around the cold potato.
His sweater sleeves covered most of his fingers.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
He hesitated.
His eyes moved toward Judith first.
That small movement told me more than any accusation could have.
He had learned to check whether she approved before obeying me.
I crossed the room and knelt in front of him.
“You do not need her permission.”
Dustin slowly stood.
When I touched his shoulder, he flinched.
I stopped immediately.