Beside Elena’s hand rested a dark smear of paint on paper. Before Dolphus could ask what it was, Lexa's hand shot out. Her finger jabbed at the blob.
“Daddy!” she declared.
Dolphus turned his gaze toward his daughter. Lexa's eyes glittered.
His lips curved into a shaky smile. He forced a laugh.
“Hmm… you’ve drawn it very well.”
Lexa bounced closer, her chubby cheeks glowing with joy. “Really? Grandfather even said so. But he told me I should not draw next time.” Her grin stretched wider as she wriggled nearer. Her eyes locked on Dolphus’s face “He also said that I should not ask about daddy. He said it would make Mummy upset. Daddy, did you upset Mummy? Is it true?”
Dolphus squeezed her hand gently.
“Perhaps a bit,” he admitted.
Lexa's soft curls falling over her face. “Mummy is re
