On Christmas

if I blinked.

“I’m here,” I sobbed. “I’m here, baby. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

She clung to me with terrifying strength.

“I tried,” she cried into my coat. “I tried to keep Emmy warm. I told her not to sleep. I told her Santa was still coming. I tried, Mommy.”

I pulled back just enough to look at her face.

“What happened, Lily?”

Her mouth trembled.

“Grandma continue reading …