She stepped closer.

“Some families are better left alone.”

I looked at her, and for the first time I saw how much work it must take to keep so many doors closed.

“My children are not a rumor you can shut outside,” I said.

“And no matter how beautiful tomorrow looks, that won’t change.”

PART 13: Three Children in the Garden

The next morning began with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and an argument over which child would wear the yellow cardigan.

Wren wanted it.