Lucy grinned: "How's my act? Rubbed some chili in my eyes."

That made me laugh.

Then I got gloomy again: "Your dad's gone now, your life will be better. Your mom loves you so much. Not like me - no love from either parent."

Lucy looked at me seriously: "People show love differently. Your mom talks tough but has a soft heart. She might not say it, but I'm sure she loves you!"

"You think so?"

I stared into the distance, lost in ...