To them, it was simply Daddy’s place, where a bowl of wrapped candies sat at reception and Priya sometimes had stickers.

That was exactly how I wanted it.

On the drive home I looked in the rearview mirror at their sleepy faces.

The old need to prove my worth to Brenda and Victor had faded.

I was busy learning what kind of person I wanted to be even if neither of them ever saw it.

PART 10