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DECEMBER 21, 1991

Lizzie

“T HIS IS AN AIRPLANE ,” M AMMY EXPLAINED, WAVING HER HAND AROUND IN FRONT of us. “It’s going to fly us home to Ireland.”

I narrowed my eyes.

I knew what an airplane was.

“Don’t look at me like that,” she laughed. “How am I supposed to know you know these things.”

I gave her another look, telling her with my eyes that I wasn’t stupid.

“Okay, okay,” she chuckled, holding her hands up. “I’m sorry for doubting you, sweetheart.”

I smiled.

“Oh, you like surprising me, don’t you?”

I grinned.

“Clever girl,” she praised, hooking her arm around my shoulders. “You’re as sharp as a razor in there, aren’t you?”

Nodding, I looked over to where Daddy was sitting with Caoimhe and frowned.

I knew they were cross with me.

I just didn’t know why.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered, tightening her arm around me. “They love you, too, sweetheart. Just like Mammy loves you.”