He looked down.
She opened the journal.
“I found this two years ago when we cleaned out the garage.”
Her father closed his eyes.
“It wasn’t meant for anybody.”
“I know.”
Chloe looked at Elena.
“That’s why it matters.”
The first entry she read was dated fifteen years earlier.
Chloe asked why her mother didn’t call.
Told her Elena is working far away.
I hope that was the right thing to say.
Nobody moved.
Another entry.
Maya cried for almost an hour tonight. She keeps reaching for the front door when someone drives past.
I don’t know how to explain abandonment to a baby.
Elena’s lips parted.
Chloe kept reading.
Rachel asked if Mom left because they were bad.
Told all six girls no.
Then I went into the garage and cried because I don’t know how many times I can tell them she loves them when she won’t answer the phone.
