Page 125 of Touch the Sky

The last thing I expect is for Shel to smile. She gives me a small, almost pitying grin and pats my arm.

“So just believe her, then.”

I stare at her for a moment, and then I tip my head back and laugh.

She makes it sound so simple.

“You’ve got it all figured out, huh?” I ask, reaching to ruffle her hair.

She pouts and swats my hand away.

“Maybe it’s not complicated, Mom. Maybeyou’remaking it complicated.”

I bark another laugh and slump against the hay bale behind us.

“Maybe you’re right.” I stretch my legs out in front of me. “Have I ever told you you’re just a little too smart?”

I hold up my thumb and index finger just millimeters apart. Shel crosses her arms and does a satisfied shimmy.

“Yeah. You have.”

She leans back beside me. I nudge her foot with my knee.

“Hey. Can I ask you to promise me something?”

She gives me a nervous glance when my voice turns solemn. “Yeah?”

“Don’t ever hide like that again. It’s okay if you don’t want to talk or if you need to be alone. I’ll respect that, but I need to know where you are. Always. It’s very important.”

She chews her lip and nods.

“You promise?” I insist.

I hold my hand out for a shake, and she takes it.

“Yeah. I promise.”

She’s got a firm grip, and I smile at the feeling of her tiny palm squeezing mine.

She learned that from me.

“What do we do now?” she asks once we let go.

“I think it’s time for you to get ready for bed.”

She has the sense not to complain.

“What about you?” she asks. “Will you talk to Jacinthe?”

Just the thought of that is exhausting. I already feel like I’ve run a marathon tonight.

“I have a lot to think about before I’m ready to do that,” I answer. “I will talk to her, though. Not tonight, but I will. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but we’ll figure this out.”

That seems to be good enough for Shel. She curls into my side, nudging at my hand until I start stroking her hair.

“My little rosy maple moth,” I murmur. “I’m so happy you’re safe.”

I’ve already declared bedtime, but I don’t make any move to get up. For now, I just stay here with my daughter.