16

16

After dinner, Dashiell drank himself to sleep.

I waited for the two children to finish their baths, then blow-dried their hair.

As I combed and blow-dried, a few strands of hair with follicles attached fell out.

"When are you going back?"

"We're not going back. Mom said once she has money, she'll live it up..."

"What about you two?"

Olyvia grabbed my wrist. "Dad, I want to stay with you."

I steeled my heart and removed her hand.

"Go to sleep now. You have school tomorrow."

Late at night, I couldn't fall asleep.

I was kept awake worrying about those two poor children.

Then I heard some rustling noises.

Dashiell had deliberately slept in the master bedroom, while I went to the guest room.

She must be looking for the lottery ticket.

After two hours of rummaging through drawers and cabinets, the noise finally stopped.

Suddenly, I heard Olyvia's voice:

"Mom, if you have money, will you still want us?"

"Who do you want to be with?"