She blinked at me, confused. “But you don’t forget?”
I smiled faintly. “I try not to.”
Her tears spilled again. “I want to see Auntie. I want to play with my brothers. Grandma made me promise not to.”
The way she said it made me, made my stomach twist. I took her tiny hands in mine. “You shouldn’t have to promise things that make you sad.”
Her eyes lifted to mine, pleading. “Then can I break it?”
I gave a small nod. “Yes.”
“Really?” Her voice was small, like she couldn’t quite believe it.
“Yes.” I brushed her tears with my thumb again. “You can break it, because it was never fair.”
She sniffled and managed a watery smile. “Then I don’t want Grandma to pick me up anymore. I want you.”
That hit me harder than anything she’d said so far. I exhaled slowly, nodding. “Alright. I’ll pick
