“I feel better when someone reads to me,” she announces, pulling it from the purple book bag I made to match her dress. She peels the unicorn from the front and swaps it for another panel.
Depending on the story, she can choose a crown. A cape. A dragon. And, of course, ballerina slippers. She picks that one, then tucks the unicorn back into the pocket for safekeeping.
I’m still working on the one I promised her. Another day on the butterfly fairy. That’s my real gift. A world of fairy tales and happily ever afters right at her fingertips. And I want to get the wings just right.
She opens the book and settles into my side like a tiny mother hen.
“Me next.” Ollie produces a comic book. I’m pretty sure he should’ve finished it by now, but a flattened Fruit Roll-Up wrapper marks the exact spot where we left off.
“Is that the PX-80 with Super Quantum Core and Turbo Boost?” Connor breathes, awestruck.
He’s staring at the brand-new, still-unopened gaming system tucked against the wall.
My heart tightens just a little.
It was supposed to be a farewell gift. Something they could all play together.
So they wouldn’t forget me. When I leave…
“Where did you get it?” Connor asks, eyes still locked on the box. “They don’t release these for another month.”
I don’t tell him the manufacturer practically tripped over themselves when they heard Princess Luna might be part of a future character lineup. They sent me five. This one was at Gabe’s.
I just shrug. “A friend.” I nudge him with my elbow. “Think you can get it ready for us? I believe we’ve got some zombie butt-kicking to do after dinner.”
“Yes!” He fist-pumps the air.
Snooki reads aloud, even though she’s clearly memorized every word.
Ollie slumps closer to me and secretly flips ahead to see what happens to the Hulk.
Connor tears into boxes, focused and determined to get it assembled without help.
I pretend to listen intently, nodding at the right places, but my thoughts drift to Harrison.
Snooki turns the page, and a small drawing slips from the book.
“What’s this?” I ask.
“That’s our mommy,” she says, pointing to a woman with long hair.
My eyes burn when I notice the wings. The halo. I feel the boys’ eyes on me as I smile through it. “She’s beautiful.”
Then I see the name written carefully at the bottom.
Cecile.
I pull the kids a little closer just as a voice breaks the quiet.
I look up. Harrison leans against the doorframe. Our eyes meet.
“Hi,” he whispers.
“Hi,” I whisper back.
It feels like the beginning of something I already know will break me.
CHAPTER 43
