And that I couldn’t tell you or the surprise would be spoiled.”

“And that’s why you weren’t supposed to tell me,” I said softly.

“Uh-huh.

But a surprise isn’t the same as a secret.” She looked up at me with absolute trust, waiting to be told she had understood the difference correctly.

“You said surprises are okay because they’re happy.

But secrets that make your tummy feel bad are the kind you’re supposed to tell.

And my tummy felt bad.”