"But with Nick gone, it's harder," he says in a soft voice. "I know, duck. I know."

Maybe he doesn't, not in any way that he can relate to what she's experiencing, but he understands what she's implying. With a more solid foundation, all that nonsense would be easier to put aside, but when one is mourning and hearing such garbage, it only weighs heavier.

"I'll go," he says. "But do you think Rosie might consider finishing out the year with something like home schooling?"