The first entry she read was dated fifteen years earlier.
Chloe asked why her mother didn’t call.
Told her Elena is working far away.
I hope that was the right thing to say.
Nobody moved.
Another entry.
Maya cried for almost an hour tonight. She keeps reaching for the front door when someone drives past.
I don’t know how to explain abandonment to a baby.
Elena’s lips parted.
Chloe kept reading.
Rachel asked if Mom left because they were bad.
Told all six girls no.
Then I went into the garage and cried because I don’t know how many times I can tell them she loves them when she won’t answer the phone.
Her father looked at the floor.
Elena said quietly:
“Stop.”
Chloe closed the journal.
“No.”
