As it turned out, Maxine needed to acquire some supplies before we could perform the house blessing, so we agreed to return the following Saturday. We’d bless the house and then go to the park for a picnic. Dani made us promise to take him since it was going to be his birthday. When he’d wrapped his arms around my legs and begged me to “Pwease, pwease, pwease come to my pawty,” I couldn’t say no. I would defy anyone who could. Despite my reticence to becoming too involved with these people, I was unable to disappoint this boy as he guilted me with his doe eyes. I suspected that they were his superpower.
Night fell as we left Maya’s home. She had given me a hug as we departed, which left me feeling unnerved. On one hand, it was kind of comforting to be graced with her easy affection. On th
