I sobbed harder into Mom’s chest. I chose not to waste time explaining that it was okay—even fun—to play with Bran while we were in first and second grade. Now, the idea of hanging out...

I thought it would be easy to own my mistakes, to say goodbye, to let go… but the words turned to tears in my mouth and I choked on salt of my own making.

We can choose not to remember this day, but bones have strong memories. And earth never forgets.