rials needed for the opening ceremon

en she turned on the living room lights, she noticed some activity co

cartoon nightgown, with little stars awarded by he

r left hand while holding a marker in her

stay with you?" Cecilia asked gently. She had been so b

sing trouble for her mother. Born prematurely, she was lighter and

t child. Even when she was sick, she b

o, in that dim bathroom, she had fough

cause Alston refused to acknowledge her, a

didn't want her daughter to be involv

med excitedly. "Has

nt down and lifted Gladys from the small bed. He

iles of Alston and Sand

e come from? And why w

's head

and frowning. "The teacher from the neighboring class said my dad f

ly insignificant question blew a huge hole in Cecilia's h

at these things!" Cecilia said, picking up the magazine and

he magazine. Words like "Alston," "Cecilia," "Sandy," and "chea

lia to react so strongly. Her big, r

Dad not want Gladys anymore?" Gladys's voice quivered, and tears r

yes welled

er-to look them up in a dictionary. If Cecilia hadn't st

rting her and had quietly tried

oves Gladys too. Daddy would never not want us," Cecilia said, placing Gladys back on t

"Then why doesn't Daddy come to see

throat t

wledged Gladys and had never visited. Occasionally, Cecilia showed Gladys pictures of him, telling her that she had a father like o

ger Gladys, but now she was gro

ry day after work, very late at night. But by then, Gladys is alread

"Mom, is what

hard to buy a big house for us and lots of pretty clothes for you. Othe

s to school when he's free? Gladys wants to show her classmates that she has a Daddy, th

t a lump in

ugged at her sleeve, lo

en Daddy has time, Mommy will ask him to take you to sc

eered, then quickly burrowed under

g to accompany Gladys, she whispered "good ni

es on her phone's contact list for a long

get

take Gladys

even thinking

o help Gladys transf

ssing and turning in bed, unable to

row, and I might be busy until late. Can y

iately agr

ri

ed after a pause. "I saw the magazine this morning.

n't care about Alston, Sandy, or anyone else. But now that Gladys knows about this

voice full of indignation. "Why don't you talk to Alston about what h

.

ned silent fo

Cecilia, I don't want to see you go through what happened three years ago again. If Alston k

ka

someone will love you," Erin added, trying to cheer her up. "Hones

ense are you talking about?

time Alston saw that the wife he deem

ere's nothing bet

chance to continue, Ce