Chapter 2 — Grandpa's Flight Was Cancelled

WalterRachel. Why is the front light off.

RachelWalter! You're — I thought you were back Sunday.

WalterThey cancelled Denver. I've been driving since two.

RachelYou should have called ahead, I'd have made something up for you —

WalterWhere's Lily.

RachelShe's helping in the kitchen.

Walter set his suitcase down in the hallway and walked past her.

WalterLily?

LilyGrandpa?

Walter stopped in the kitchen doorway.

RachelShe likes helping. She asked to.

WalterShe's standing on a chair.

RachelShe can't reach otherwise.

WalterIt's twenty to nine.

RachelWe had Madison's party, there was a lot of —

WalterLily. Come here to me.

LilyI have to finish. There's still the pans.

WalterCome here, sweetheart.

Walter lifted her off the chair and set her on the floor, and then he saw her hands.

WalterWhat is that.

LilyA glass broke. It's okay, it stopped bleeding.

WalterRachel, what is this on her thumb.

RachelShe's clumsy. She's always been clumsy, Tom will tell you the same.

WalterHow long has she been on that chair.

RachelWalter —

WalterHOW LONG.

RachelSince dinner. Since about five.

MadisonGrandpa, do you want to see my presents?

WalterNot now, Madison. Go upstairs.

RachelDon't speak to my daughter like that.

WalterGo upstairs, Madison.

Walter ran the tap cold, held Lily's hand under it, and wrapped it in a clean dish towel.

WalterDid you eat tonight?

LilyNot yet.

WalterNot yet.

LilyI have to finish the pans first, that's the rule.

WalterWhose rule.

Lily didn't answer.

WalterWhose rule, Lily.

LilyRachel's.