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Her lips press together and she nods, taking the envelope fro to take her to preschool”

“I can take her in thethe afternoons until dinner?”

She lifts her chin and our eyespain, like the pro I desperately want held just out of reach

“I’ half the work You should adjust my pay to reflect that”

“Whatever makes you comfortable”

It’s our last exchange before she’s gone I scoop upthe striped stress ball I found in one of my drawers

“Feeling stressed-out, peanut?”

“Why did Ruby have to go?”

“She felt like it would be better for all of us if she didn’t live here anymore”

Lillie lifts her head and looks me in the eyes “I don’t think it’s better for me if she’s not here anymore Do you think it’s better?”

“No, princess I don’t think it’s better at all”

My daughter wiggles to get down, and I set her on her feet She walks sloith her little shoulders sluht of stairs toole house feels too huge, too empty now

Eleanor left on Friday I would feel guilty about it, but she moved quickly into the condo I secured for her I almost feel like she expected it Or she welcomed it I don’t really care

I’ve communicated briefly with her on her requests to see Lillie I’hter So far, I agreed she can pick Lillie up for church to

Standing in front of my computer I see unread emails fro entrepreneur he thinks I should meet I hoverall of this