I should have listened.

I should have been there.

Chapter 20 — There Would Be Food Tomorrow

My daughter healed slowly, and then, one day, all at once, the way children do when they are finally safe.

When she finally bought a three-dollar pen for school, she saved the receipt and handed it to me nervously, bracing.

“Dad, there was a cheaper one, for a dollar fifty.” “Did you like this one better?” I asked.

“Yes.” “Then enjoy it, sweetheart.