Page 172 of Wherever You Are

“Thanks, Mom.” She takes a swig. “So I can go to Arcadia Galactica tomorrow, right?”

I lift my brows. “You’re still grounded, Vada.”

“Aw, come on.” Her voice is light, knowing she shouldn’t get a reprieve for biking after dark. A rule she constantly breaks. We still live in the city, in the same Philly loft.

Vada is brave like her mom. And she’s also nonconfrontational, in a way like me. I rest easy knowing she walks away from fights.

“Next week,” Willow reminds her, “you can always go then, unless you get grounded aga—”

“I won’t,” she says quickly, walking her bike back to the tent with us. “I’m having Pac-Man withdrawals like so bad.” Her aquamarine eyes flit to me. “Literally, Dad.”

I hate that game. She knows I hate that game, and honestly, I can’t believe my kid loves playing for hours uponhours.Vada pulverized Willow’s high score when she was four, and not because her mom is bad. Willow is fucking good at that one.

While we keep walking, Vada talks and smiles over the pics that her mom captured.

They both laugh.

And my chest rises in a light breath. In happiness.

Vada Lauren Abbey was born from love, and we named herVadaafter the character in the movieMy Girl.Lauren after the guy who changed our lives.

As soon as we enter the tent, Vada is rushed by family, by her cousins, three of which are girls around her age—and also her best friends. They pour ice water over her head. Laughing. Congratulating.

I extend my arm back around Willow, sharing a gentle smile with my wife. Summers are my favorite part of the year, always full of family.

And with this family, these people who protect and love without question, sixth place can feel like first.