Lilly came back from school, but to Zara’s surprise, Victor had brought her home.
“Mommy!” Lilly cried, throwing herself into Zara’s arms.
“You’re back, sweetie,” Zara said softly, hugging her close. Then her eyes lifted to Victor. “You picked her up?”
Victor shrugged lightly. “Wasn’t a burden. I was off work anyway and I promised had her ice cream.”
Zara nodded, forcing a small smile. Just then, Lilly looked up at her, her voice suddenly quieter.
“Mommy, the father-and-daughter dance is this Saturday,” she said. “And I don’t have a daddy.”
The words hit Zara like a familiar echo. Her chest tightened as a memory surfaced Lilly had said those exact words before.
She gently touched Lilly’s head, her fingers trembling, as the past rushed back to her.
“Are you alright?” Victor asked qu
