That Saturday was painfully ordinary. Tom sat at the dining table grading essays while Olivia played in the backyard garden. I grabbed my shopping bags and told them I’d be back before lunch.
I remember kissing that rabbit goodbye.
« Can we get strawberry ice cream later, Mommy? » Olivia asked.
« If you eat your vegetables. »
She grinned. « So that’s yes. »
Those were the last words my daughter ever spoke to me.
When I returned two hours later, the house was too quiet.
« Can we get strawberry ice cream later, Mommy? »
« Where’s Liv? » I asked.
Tom looked up. « Outside. »
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