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Tears stung her eyes and leaked down her face as she sat there waiting, trying to be brave

But her mommy never came back

For years afterward, she tried to remember what had happened next, what she did, but all those people were like a cloud that obscured herup on a dirty ce a policeman on horseback

Froh above her, he frowned down at her and said, "Hey, little one, are you all alone?"

"I a

He took her back to the house on Queen Anne Hill, where her grandhtly and kissed her cheek and told her it wasnt her fault

But Tully knew better So, been bad Next time her mommy came back, shed try harder Shed promise to be the president and shed never, ever say she was sorry again

Tully got a chart of the presidents of the United States and memorized every name in order For months afterward, she told anyone who asked that she would be the first wo ballet classes On her eleventh birthday, while Grand a thin, watery version of "Happy Birthday," Tully glanced repeatedly at the door, thinking, This is it, but no one ever knocked and the phone didnt ring Later, with the opened boxes of her gifts around her, she tried to keep s In front of her, on the coffee table, was an erandave her stuff like this—projects to keep her busy and quiet

"She didnt even call," Tully said, looking up

Gran sighed tiredly "Your ot to quit pretending things are different What"

Shed heard this advice a bazillion times "I know "

Gran sat down on the worn floral sofa beside Tully and pulled her onto her lap

Tully loved it when Gran held her She snuggled in close, rested her cheek on Grans soft chest

"I wish things were different with your mama, Tully, and thats the Gods honest truth, but shes a lost soul Has been for a long time "

"Is that why she doesnt love me?"