I stood outside the pack house, waiting for Darren to show, as per his request. I was wearing one of the many sundresses in my closet and felt a questioning tug on my skirt. I looked down. A small, round, dimpled face beamed up at me.

I squinted a bit before her name came to me. "Kayla!"

"Hi, Adi", the little girl said, tugging on my skirt again. I knelt, giving a small "oh" when she launched herself at me, squeezing me in a hug. Tentatively, I squeezed back. The little girl laughed.

"You ...