I don’t know how to explain abandonment to a baby.
Elena’s lips parted.
Chloe kept reading.
Rachel asked if Mom left because they were bad.
Told all six girls no.
Then I went into the garage and cried because I don’t know how many times I can tell them she loves them when she won’t answer the phone.
Her father looked at the floor.
Elena said quietly:
“Stop.”
Chloe closed the journal.
“No.”
The word was calm.
“For fifteen years, he protected you.”
Elena stared at her.
“He could have told us everything.”
“I had reasons.”
“He didn’t know your reasons.”
“I tried to contact you.”
Chloe picked up the returned envelopes.
“Then explain these.”
Elena hesitated.
“I moved.”
Their father finally spoke.
His voice was quiet.
“My address never changed.”
Elena turned.
He looked directly at her.
“The house phone number stayed the same until eight years ago.”
