06

7

The stomach is the organ of emotions.

Churning and roiling, it's as if all the resentment is about to erupt.

Along with it, my chest begins to ache deeply.

My hands, hanging at my sides, tremble uncontrollably.

Passing by the convenience store near home, I want to go in and buy a bottle of water to ease the discomfort.

Molly starts fussing, demanding candy.

I've always been careful about her sugar intake, worried about cavities and excess calories affecting her development, so I never buy her candy.

She's hardly ever had candy, so naturally she wouldn't ask for it.

Looking at Molly crying in my arms, thinking about how my daughter will grow up without a father, I give in.

Walking into the store, Molly points at the candy on the shelf, choosing the biggest jar.

I say, "You can have some, but only a little bit."

Molly cries harder, "No! Daddy Channing would buy me lots and lots of candy!"