Someone wanted me under their roof.
***
The next morning I drove for three hours, having left before dawn.
I wanted to arrive in time for breakfast with the children.
I rehearsed the things I would say to the children.
The games we would play,
The stories I would read at bedtime.
When I finally pulled into Jason and Melissa’s driveway, I sat in the car for a moment.
I smoothed my hair, my hands trembling just slightly with excitement.
« You’re here for them, » I said to myself. « Just be here for them. »
I gathered my purse and stepped out into the cool morning air.
The house was large with tall windows and a wide green lawn.
The front door opened, and there was Melissa in silk pajamas, phone already in her hand.« Margaret, » she called, her smile wide but her eyes somewhere else. « You made it. Come in, come in. »
