“She’s just upset because she didn’t get to play with you yesterday, I think,” Susan replied softly. “But she’ll be fine. Kids bounce back fast.”
I nodded slowly, even though every word stung. I wasn’t her mother. I wasn’t even her friend anymore, apparently. But I still didn’t like being the reason she cried on her birthday.
Guilt lodged in my throat, refusing to budge no matter how many times I swallowed.
I turned toward the stairs, hesitating for a moment.
Then I started walking.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lila was sitting on the floor, surrounded by torn wrapping paper, playing with her dolls and opening the rest of her birthday presents when I stepped into her room.
She glanced up when she heard the door. The second she saw it was me, her expression fell flat and she went back
