PART 16:

To a 6-year-old, she must be terrifying. They arrived at school early. The assembly was in the gymnasium, parents cramming into uncomfortable bleachers. Daniel spotted Ariana immediately. She dressed down, jeans and a simple sweater, trying to blend in. She still stood out. She waved when she saw them. Sophie ran over, launching into an immediate explanation of where she’d be sitting during the presentation and which planet she was responsible for.

Saturn, Sophie said proudly. Because it has the most moons. Well, maybe. Jupiter might have more, but scientists keep finding new ones, so it’s hard to say for sure. Saturn’s an excellent choice, Ariana said seriously. The rings alone make it the best planet aesthetically. That’s what I said.

But Tommy Chen says Jupiter is better because it’s bigger. But size isn’t everything. Saturn has style. Sophie grinned and ran off to join her class. Daniel and Ariana found seats near the back. You didn’t have to come. He said quietly. I wanted to. Thought you could use the moral support. For elementary school assembly? For existing. You look exhausted.

Didn’t sleep much. Me, either. She took his hand, hidden between them where other parents couldn’t easily see. We’ll get through tomorrow, whatever happens. You sound more confident than I feel. One of us has to be. Might as well be the person who grew up dealing with Eleanor Blake’s intimidation tactics. The assembly started.

Sophie’s class filed onto the stage, each kid holding a poster of their assigned planet. Sophie stood extra straight, her Saturn poster carefully painted with rings that sparkled with glitter. The presentation was chaotic and adorable. Kids forgot their lines, spoke too quietly, or shouted random facts with excessive enthusiasm.

Sophie delivered her Saturn facts clearly and precisely, exactly as rehearsed. Daniel felt a surge of pride so intense it hurt. When it ended, parents filed out slowly. Daniel and Ariana waited for Sophie, who emerged from backstage beaming. Did you see? I didn’t forget anything. You were perfect, Daniel said.

You were brilliant, Ariana added. Best planet representation by far. Tommy’s Jupiter poster had a spelling mistake. He wrote Jupiter. See? Rookie error. They walked to the parking lot together. Other parents glanced over, curious about the unfamiliar woman with Daniel and his daughter. Let them look. Daniel was done caring what people thought.

Lunch? He suggested. There’s a good sandwich place near here. Please. Sophie said. I’m starving. School lunch is in like 3 hours, and that’s forever. The sandwich shop was crowded, but they found a table by the window. Sophie ordered a grilled cheese, Daniel got a club, and Ariana ordered a salad that Sophie immediately declared not a real meal.

Salads can be real meals, Ariana protested. Salads are what you eat before the real food comes. Your dad’s raising you with strong opinions about food. Dad says opinions are important as long as you can defend them. Smart dad. They ate and talked about everything except tomorrow. Sophie dominated the conversation as usual, jumping from topic to topic with 6-year-old logic that made perfect sense in her head and nowhere else.

After lunch, Sophie announced she wanted to go to the bookstore. There was a new book about black holes she absolutely needed. You just got three books last week, Daniel said. That was last week. This is this week. Totally different. The math doesn’t check out. Please. I’ll read them all. I promise. Daniel looked at Ariana.

She was trying not to smile. Don’t look at me, va she said. I’m not the parent here. But you have an opinion. I think supporting a child’s love of reading is important, and black holes are fascinating. You’re not helping. Never said I would. They went to the bookstore. Sophie disappeared into the science section immediately. Daniel and Ariana browsed nearby, keeping her in sight but giving her space.

She’s going to bankrupt you with book purchases, Ariana observed. Already has. I’ve had to create a separate budget category. That’s actually kind of great. The bankruptcy part. The fact that she loves learning this much. You’re doing something right. Daniel felt warmth spread through his chest. Thanks. I try.

Most days I feel like I’m making it up as I go. That’s parenting. No one actually knows what they’re doing. Some people are just better at pretending. Sophie returned with not one, but two books. Daniel opened his mouth to object, saw her hopeful expression, and sighed. Fine. Two books. But that’s it for this month. Deal.

At the register, Ariana pulled out her card before Daniel could stop her. I’ve got it. She said. You don’t have to I know. I want to. She smiled at Sophie. Consider it congratulations for nailing the Saturn presentation. Sophie hugged her spontaneously. Thank you. These are going to be so good. In the car afterwards, Sophie read aloud from the black hole book, explaining concepts she barely understood with complete confidence.

Daniel drove and listened and tried to memorize this moment, this feeling, before tomorrow complicated everything. That evening, after Sophie was in bed, Daniel called Peterson. His neighbor answered on the fourth ring. This better be good. Jeopardy’s on. Need a favor. Can you watch Sophie tomorrow night? Few hours, maybe less.

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