“There was an… accident,” I start hesitantly. “It wasChristmastime and we were at the mall. I don’t rememberwhat we were doing there. We didn’t go very often because wedidn’t exactly have the money. But I found a huge dollhouse.”I smile just thinking about it. It’s so clear in my head. “It wasin a*****e window. It had a steep roof with dormer windows, awraparound porch, tiny rocking chairs, and little people thatcould live inside. It was the prettiest house I’d ever seen. Iwanted it so much.”
“He bought it for you?”
I shake my head. “No. We didn’t have the money for that, noteven then. But he promised Santa would bring it forChristmas. He swore. ‘Cross my heart and hope to die, Bellie.Santa won’t let you down.’ And I believed him. Even though
