YEARS PASSED, TIME’S ACCRUAL AT ONCE GRADUAL AND sudden.

They felt lighter because they could still recall what it felt like to be unburdened by time.

It was uglier than any place she’d ever been, but the ugliness was also a comfort because it meant that she and Ray had said goodbye to their old lives.

it happened gradually and then all once,

On these walks, Cherry could manage Opal. She could love her in the right way. Capably, correctly. Undamaged. They were simply a mother and daughter in this enormous city, enjoying the sights.

The hormones—they were a possession all their own.

Those first tender weeks of Ray’s life were heavenly in a way Ursa didn’t expect:

Ursa refused. “It should only be me if absolutely necessary.” Another rule.

Taking care of children requires being tethered to the present, to an endless parade of daily tasks, to the now.