To her guests, she smiled and said that her little boy was at his grandmother’s or in daycare. But to her son, she gave strict orders not to make a sound. The little boy sat alone, clutching his old teddy bear tightly. Sometimes he whispered softly, “I’m here… mommy…,” but there was no answer. He hoped the door would open, that she would hug him — but it never happened.

That’s how it always was. When the guests left, the mother opened the door as if nothing had happened.