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“He’s gone, Lolo,” Elsa said “Apparently he jumped on a train”

“DON’T YOU CALL ME THAT Only he can call me that,” Loreda screamed

Elsa felt fragile enough that she feared there were tears in her eyes “I’m sorry”

“He left you,” Loreda said

“Yes”

“I HATE YOU!” Loreda ran down the porch steps and disappeared around the corner of the house

Ant twisted around to look up at Elsa His confusion was heartbreaking “When’s he comin’ back?”

“I don’t think he will come back, Ant”

“But … we need him”

“I know, baby; it hurts” She stroked his hair back from his face

Tears filled his eyes and seeing that , but she refused to cry in front of Ant

“I want my daddy I want my daddy…”

Elsa held her son close and let him cry “I know, baby I know…”

She couldn’t think of anything else to say

LOREDA CLIMBED UP THE windiant blades, her knees drawn up The arm beneath her, heated by the sun