With a cry, she comes running into my arms. My sweat-soaked t-shirt, which had dried, moistens again. Her mother and Nancy are watching us. But I don’t care. I put my arms around her and hold her tight. This may be the only chance I’ll get to hold her in my arms. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. The lemony scent of her shampoo fills my nostril. I can hear her heart beating.
When I open my eyes, her mom is gone.
“Why do you always say things that make it impossible for me to stay away from you?” She says softly against my chest.
The warmth of her breath seeps through my thin t-shirt. My chin is on her head.
I whisper, “Ouch!”
She laughs through her tears and hits me in the chest.
“You’re doing a pretty good job of it though,” I say.
“No, I’m not. Look at me!” She raises her he
