But saying it aloud suddenly sounded cruel.
Lena saw it on his face.
She nodded.
"That's easy for the person who was gone."
Isaiah flinched.
She immediately softened.
"I'm sorry."
"No."
He sat down heavily.
"Maybe you're right."
Lena remained standing.
Isaiah rubbed his palms together.
"Are you married to him?"
"Yes."
The word felt like a bullet.
Isaiah nodded slowly.
"Legally?"
"Yes."
"Because I was declared dead."
"Yes."
He laughed without humor.
"So technically you didn't cheat."
"Isaiah—"
"No. That's good."
He stood again.
"Congratulations."
"Stop."
"Why?"
"Because I didn't come here to defend my marriage to Thomas."
"Your marriage."
He repeated the phrase.
Lena closed her eyes.
Isaiah paced toward the door.
"You know what the craziest part is?"
She waited.
"I kept my wedding ring."
He pulled it from beneath his shirt.
It hung from a chain.
Lena stared at it.
"They took everything else."
He held the ring.
"I hid this."
Her tears returned.
"They searched me dozens of times. I kept it inside a seam in my clothes."
Isaiah laughed once.
"I almost got beaten over it."
Lena whispered his name.
"I kept thinking, if I get back, she'll still be there."
She approached him.
Isaiah stepped away.
"Don't."
Lena stopped.
"I can't do this today."
"Okay."
"Tell Maya I'm sorry I scared her."
"She wants to see you."
Isaiah looked at her.
"Does she?"
Lena hesitated.
"She has questions."
"That's different."
"She's nine, Isaiah."
"I know how old my daughter is."
Lena lowered her head.
Isaiah immediately regretted the sharpness.
He sat.
"What does she remember?"
Lena took a breath.
"Some things."
"Me?"
"Bits."
"Like what?"
"Your pancakes."