“That’s when I stopped telling myself it was coincidence.”
From the playroom came Lily’s voice.
“Mommy?”
I turned.
She stood in the hallway holding Mr. Buttons by one ear.
“Can I have pie now?”
I forced myself to smile.
“Of course.”
She looked at Stephen.
“Is he staying?”
Stephen’s face crumpled for the briefest instant.
Then he crouched so he was closer to her height.
“I’m sorry, Lily. I can’t stay tonight.”
Her disappointment was immediate.
“Oh.”
“But I brought you something.”
He offered her the damaged package.
Lily accepted it.
“What is it?”
“You’ll have to open it.”
She smiled a little.
Then she hugged it against her chest.
“Thank you.”
Stephen stood.
I followed him to the door.
Outside, twilight had settled over the street.
He stepped onto the porch.
“You’re really leaving?”
“Yes.”
“Are you breaking up with me?”
He looked genuinely miserable.
“I think I have to.”
