“Can I stay at your place for a few days?”
Dad thinks about my question for a while. He doesn’t say anything at first, just looks at me with that calm, thoughtful expression he always has when he’s trying to figure something out. Of course it’s a stupid question—that’s what he must be thinking. I came here for Mom, and now I’m wanting to be away even though it’s only a few minutes from here.
I can’t help but feel the frown starting to form on my face. I need him to say yes. I need to get out of here.
Finally, he shakes his head and says, “You’re always welcome, pumpkin. You know that. The only thing is, I won’t be home most of the time. You’ll be by yourself and probably bored. Here, you’ve got Lily, Carl, Joel, and your Mom to keep you company.”
I nod slowly, pretending that what he
