I smiled, though my heart ached. “Timmy, you never have to stay somewhere you don’t feel loved and welcome. Remember that, okay?”

He nodded, his little face thoughtful. “Okay, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. So much.”

As we approached our neighborhood, I pondered how to address this situation moving forward. Conversations with my husband, and likely Betsy, awaited. It was crucial that Timmy understood his value and place in our family, and that he was cherished beyond measure.