Lena learned about Samuel two days later when he came to her gate with Dana’s permission.
He had asked whether he could apologize in person.
Lena met him on the sidewalk because she did not want him entering the property that had become the center of the dispute.
Samuel was younger than she expected.
He had a tired face and kept his hands tucked into his jacket pockets.
“I’m the one who called the fire department,” he said.
“Dana told me,” Lena replied.
“I thought children were in danger.”
“I believe you.”
Samuel looked at the shed behind her.
“I didn’t check anything.

”
“You were told something urgent by a person who sounded certain.”
“That’s not an excuse.”
“No,” Lena said.
“It’s an explanation.”
Samuel swallowed.
“I used to volunteer with a youth sports league.”
“Then you know why people take reports about children seriously.”
“That’s why I called.”
Lena nodded.
“Next time, tell the dispatcher what you know firsthand and what somebody else told you.”
Samuel looked relieved to have something practical to remember.
“I can do that.”
“And if you think people are in immediate danger, you should still call for help.”
“Even after this?”
“Especially after this.”
Samuel thanked her and walked toward his car.


Lena watched him leave, then returned to the garden.
She did not feel triumphant.
A man had been frightened into making a call he believed was necessary.
The person who frightened him had counted on his conscience to do the rest.

Chapter Thirteen V: A Brother’s Visit

Tomas arrived on Saturday carrying two suitcases and a cardboard box of kitchen supplies.
He was three years younger than Lena and had inherited their father’s habit of inspecting a room before deciding where to sit.
“You look tired,” he said as soon as she opened the door.
“You look like someone who packed too much,” she replied.
“Both observations can be true.”
He carried the box into the kitchen and placed it on the counter.
Inside were a heavy mixing bowl, a bread tin, and a small jar of yeast.
Lena stared at the contents.
“You drove four hours to bring me baking equipment?”
“I drove four hours because you stopped answering my messages before dinner.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I noticed.”
Tomas opened the refrigerator and frowned at the sparse shelves.
“Have you eaten anything besides toast?”
“I ate soup yesterday.”
“Was it soup you made?”
“It came in a container.”
He sighed and began unpacking groceries.
Lena watched him work.
She had not expected to feel so relieved by the sound of another person moving through her kitchen.