Bianca took a deep breath and placed her hands on Elaine’s shoulders. “I have something really important to do today,” she said softly. “I can’t take you right now, but I promise I’ll make it up to you soon, okay?”

Elaine pouted. “You’re just like Mom. She always says that. She hasn’t played with me in a long time either.”

“I can take you,” Michael offered from behind Bianca. “If you don’t mind, I’ll take you to the amusement park.”

Elaine looked up, ...