Daisy was working on a puzzle at the kitchen table when they arrived.
The moment she saw them standing outside, her entire body became still.
Then Miranda lifted a folded yellow beach towel. It was plain except for a white daisy stitched into one corner.
She entered only after I stepped out of the doorway.
“Daisy,” she said, “I was wrong. Your day should have stayed happy. I am sorry I helped ruin part of it.”
Daisy hugged the towel against her chest.
“It was supposed to be my normal day,” she said.
“I know,” Miranda said. “And I am sorry I made it about me.”
Daisy glanced at the towel.
Then she looked at me.
Then back at Miranda.
She accepted the towel because she was polite.
She did not hug Miranda.
I was relieved she did not.
Evan shifted awkwardly and suddenly said, “I told Mom teachers can swim, because they can.”
