I wanted to run after Carol and confront her, but Emma needed me. I pulled her onto my lap and wrapped her up in the biggest hug I could manage.
When she was finally calm enough to let me go, I went outside, determined to salvage what I could.
I tore through our trash bins and the neighbor’s, but Emma’s hats weren’t there.
Emma cried herself to sleep that night.
I sat with her until her breaths became even, then retreated to the living room. I sat there staring at the wall and finally let my own tears fall.
I almost called Daniel several times, but eventually, I decided to wait, knowing he’d need all his focus for his work.
That decision ended up unleashing a storm that changed our family forever.
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