Olivia was only one when we lost him. Now she knew him through photos, home videos, bedtime stories, and the faded blue flannel shirt I kept folded inside a memory box under my bed. I worked hard to keep him present in her life without turning him into someone she waited to return.
But what she just said didn’t sound like grief.
It sounded rehearsed.
Clara slowly lowered the scissors and looked at me. “Allie, do you want a minute?”
I nodded silently. I unclipped the cape, lifted my daughter into my arms, and carried her outside while she sobbed against my neck. Family
Inside the car, I buckled her into her seat with trembling hands.
“You can tell me anything, Liv,” I whispered. “And we can even talk over ice cream if you want.”
She stayed quiet for a moment.
“Mommy?” she asked softly.
“I’m right here, baby.”
