"I didn't mean to hurt her," she mutters. "She was just so strict all the time."
I wait. Her shoulders rise and fall once.
"The prank went too far," she says, still staring at the closet and its now-messy contents. "I didn't think she'd actually get hurt."
My stomach twists.
"But she did."
Zoe's eyes flash. They’re either wet with anger or shame, I can't be sure. Could be both. Her breath shudders out of her like she's been holding it for days.
"I just…" She swallows. "I thought if there wasn't a nanny, Mom would have to come home. Like actually be home with us."
The words land heavy and I have to suppress a shake of my head. She's just a kid. She doesn't understand that the world doesn't work like that.
"And now she's more stressed," Zoe adds, voice cracking. "And it's my fault. And I know that's selfish. I know it's stupid. I know I'mstupid. I'm a selfish, bad kid."
Zoe's voice cracks on the last part and she pinches her lips which doesn't totally prevent them from trembling. My heart breaks a little more for her. It's not easy, what they're going through.
From what I've heard from Belinda, the husband left the family about six months ago after a months-long affair with Rika's best friend. He moved to Boston, a good four hours' drive from Saltford Bay, and has barely been taking the kids on his time ever since, constantly giving excuses why he can't come pick them up on his weekends.
So yeah. Those kids are hurting.
"It's not stupid," I say quietly. "And you're not stupid or selfish. You just wish things were different than they are, that's all."
Zoe wipes at her face like she's furious her eyes betrayed her.
"It doesn't matter. Mom's mad at me, even if she tries not to show it."
"Maybe," I say. "But she's allowed her feelings, right? I may not know your mom, but from everything I've heard through your grandma, she loves you very much and she's proud of you, too."
I wait a beat, then two. "If you miss her, tell her that. I'm sure she misses you, too."
Zoe stares at the blankets in her arms like they're suddenly the most interesting thing on Earth. Then she gives a tiny nod. Barely there.
"Thanks, Noah," she mutters.
She slips past me and heads back into the main studio, shoulders still tense but not quite as rigid as before. I stand there for a second, staring at the contents of the closet. I'll have to reorganize everything now, but it doesn't matter.
I just wish I could help those kids.
Then I turn back to the room and see Belinda watching me, arms folded, expression unreadable in that pixie way. Cute face, but eyes sharp like a laser.
Matthew is at the water station, tongue poking out in concentration as he fills cups like it's a sacred duty.
I walk over to Belinda and keep my voice low. "How long are they here?"
Belinda exhales. "Until Rika gets out of work. Which won't be until well after dinner."
"That's a long time."
Belinda's gaze flicks over me. "How'd your interview with Glinda Newton go, by the way?"
I had an interview just a few days ago with Glinda Newton, the principal of Saltford Bay’s middle school.
I blink. "You know about that?"
"It's a small town." She chuckles. "Also, I know Glinda. We went to school together."
