“I want my mommy,” Gracie cried.
The gray-haired lady sat on the sofa with her and put an arm around her shoulders. “I know you want your mommy, but she’s gone, honey. So is your daddy.”
Gone? Gone where? “They’re at home.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are very nice people. They’re going to take good care of you for a few days. There are things for us to sort out. They love children. You’ll be safe.”
Gracie yearned for Mommy, but every time she asked, Mrs. Arnold said Mommy had gone to heaven. She didn’t say where Daddy had gone. Gracie had bad dreams every night. She’d hear Daddy shouting and Mommy crying. Then other sounds and strangers everywhere. She hid in the closet and screamed for Mommy. Mrs. Arnold would slide the closet door open and lift her out and hold her and rock her. “You’re safe with us, honey. You don’t need to hide or be afraid anymore.” She’d tuck Gracie back into bed with the brand-new teddy bear the Arnolds had given her. “He’ll make you feel better.”
One morning, Mrs. Arnold told her, “Your aunt Elizabeth will be here tomorrow, Grace. She’s your mother’s sister. She’s coming all the way from Fresno, California. Isn’t that wonderful? She’s going to take care of you.”
Aunt Elizabeth didn’t look anything like Mommy. She was pretty, but she didn’t look happy. Or friendly. Mrs. Arnold and Aunt Elizabeth talked while Grace sat on the sofa, the stuffed bear in her arms. Scared, she kept her head down, but heard every word.
“I don’t see the need for more talk.” Aunt Elizabeth spoke firmly.
“But she’s been through a terrible ordeal, Miss Walker.” Mrs. Arnold sounded distressed.
“Yes, and delaying will only make matters worse.” Aunt Elizabeth stood and shouldered her purse. She looked down at Gracie with bleak eyes. She faced Mrs. Arnold and extended her hand. “Thank you for looking after my niece until I could get here. I do appreciate it.”
“She’s a perfect little angel.”
“Come, Grace.” Aunt Elizabeth headed for the door. Opening it, she looked back. Her mouth tightened. “Time to go home.”
Grace’s heart leaped. The bear clutched close with one arm, she ran to her aunt. Aunt Elizabeth didn’t take her hand, but walked ahead to a white car parked at the curb. She opened the back door, tossed Gracie’s small suitcase to the far side of the backseat, and gestured to Gracie. “Get in.”
Gracie knew how to strap herself in. Aunt Elizabeth watched until the buckle clicked, then slammed the door. Mrs. Arnold said something, and Aunt Elizabeth faced her again. Finally, Aunt Elizabeth went around the front of the car and got into the driver’s seat. Without a word or backward glance at Gracie, she started the engine and drove down the street.
Gracie banged her heels against the backseat in her excitement.
“Stop that right now!” Aunt Elizabeth scowled into the rearview mirror.
Gracie froze. She waited and waited. “Are we there yet?”
“I’m still driving, aren’t I?”
“How long—？”
“As long as it takes! Don’t ask again.” Staring straight ahead, Aunt Elizabeth drove fast, both hands gripping the steering wheel. Gracie’s stomach knotted so tight it hurt. She looked at Aunt Elizabeth’s face in the mirror and saw her anger. Aunt Elizabeth met her look. “Stop staring at me! It’s rude!” Gracie looked down and crushed the bear against her chest.
After a while, Gracie spotted the post office where Mommy bought stamps and mailed letters. She saw the library where Mommy took her to hear the story lady read. She saw the church where Mommy took her to Sunday school while Daddy slept in. She recognized houses. Aunt Elizabeth passed the park near the school. Mommy always sat on a bench under the magnolia tree while Gracie played with other children.
Aunt Elizabeth turned onto the street where Gracie lived and pulled into the driveway. Before the car had fully stopped, Gracie unbuckled herself and had swung the car door open. Aunt Elizabeth slammed on the brakes, and Gracie rocked hard against the front seat. Spilling out of the car, she ran. She fell and skinned her knee, but jumped up again. “Mommy!” She tried to open the front door, but it was locked. “Mommy, I’m home!”
Grasped by the shoulders and spun around, Gracie faced a livid Aunt Elizabeth. “Stop it! Do you want the entire neighborhood to hear you?” Gracie fought free and pounded on the door. “God, help me.” Aunt Elizabeth’s voice broke. Unlocking the door, she pushed it open. “Go ahead and look.”