Hi Mr. Jason! I hope you're having a good day! I drew a new picture today. Want to see?
I stare at the message, my thumb hovering over the keyboard.
I should keep my response short. Professional. Create distance so he doesn't get more attached.
But I find myself typing: I'd love to see it. Send it over.
The picture arrives seconds later. It's a drawing of three people—a woman with long hair labeled "MOM," a small figure labeled "ME," and a tall man in what looks like a suit and very carefully drawn shiny shoes labeled “DAD."
The man's face has a small smile, and yes, I can’t be mistaken about this, my eyes. And there are hearts. So many hearts floating around all three figures.
My throat tightens.
Another text comes through: Do you like it? I worked really hard on the shoes. I wante
