I grabbed Daniel’s arm.
“Where are you, baby?” I asked.
“I’m in the backyard,” she sobbed. “By the gate. I don’t want to go onto the sidewalk.”
“We’re coming, Ellie,” Daniel said firmly.
We arrived within ten minutes.
Before the car even fully stopped, I was out the door.
Ellie stood near the fence, clutching her gold-wrapped gift like it was the only solid thing she had left.
Her cheeks were blotchy and wet. Her eyes were red and swollen. Grass stains marked the hem of her dress.
Something inside me broke.
Daniel ran to her, dropped to his knees, and pulled her into his arms.
“Ellie,” he said softly, “sweetheart, it’s okay. We’re here now.”
She clung to him, sobbing into his shirt.
I didn’t hesitate.
I walked straight into the house.
Carol sat calmly at the table, eating birthday cake, laughing as if nothing had happened. Music played softly. Children’s voices echoed from another room.
“Why is my daughter outside?” I demanded.
The room fell silent.
