Nathan didn't know the day Mia and I were leaving.He thought I was just taking her to Grandma's for a few days.Before we walked out, Mia stood in the entryway and stared at the shoe rack, half-empty now.She asked, "Mommy, are we ever coming back?"I zipped up the suitcase."No."She nodded.Then she ran back to her room.I thought she couldn't let go of some toy.A moment later, she came out holding a photograph.In it, Nathan was lifting her above his head.That was Mia's third birthday.She was grinning, showing a row of tiny teeth.Nathan had been smiling too, back then.Not like later.Later, his smiles were always for someone else.Mia stared at the photo for a long time, then laid it facedown on the table."I don't want it.""If I bring it, I'll miss him."I didn't try to talk her out of it.The taxi pulled up downstairs, and Nathan called."Claire, did Mia eat breakfast?""Didn't she say she wanted those dumplings from that place downtown? I picked some up. I'll be home soon.
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