“Sad babies get sick,” she shrugs.

“I see,” I nod. “Do you want to help me clean up?”

“No, thank you,” Katie Rose retorts.

“I'm going to paint with Katie Rose.” Arabella hops off the mattress.

Both girls leave, and I'm left to my cleaning again. I dust and wipe things twice, and on my way to get new sheets, I spot Nova.

I don't miss the way she rolls her eyes when she sees me turning the other way. “Nova,” I call out, but she keeps on walking. “Nova, stop.” ...