Rose had no idea how Ariel had seen through her.
She'd always thought she was good at hiding her emotions. No matter what she was feeling, she could put on a smile convincing enough to fool almost anyone.
Apparently, not her daughter.
It wasn't that she was unhappy. She wasn't heartbroken, either.
Life had simply thrown too much at her all at once. The weight of it had settled quietly inside her, leaving her no choice but to carry it alone.
"Of course not," Rose said softly, forcing a smile. "Did you finish your bath, sweetheart?"
Ariel nodded enthusiastically. She scooted closer to the screen until her little face nearly filled the camera, as though she could hug her mother through the phone.
"Mommy, don't be sad. I know you're changing the subject." She smiled with
