The air vanished from my lungs.
Then Meadow made a sound — not a word, just a tiny broken noise no child should ever make. I dropped to my knees and crawled through the pile of her hair to reach her. When I touched her shoulder, she flinched, and I nearly collapsed right there on the floor.
“Baby,” I whispered, pulling her gently into my arms. “I’m here. Mommy’s here.”
Her little body shook so violently her teeth clicked together.
Judith let out an irritated sigh. “You’re being hysterical. It’s hair, Bethany. Hair grows back.”
I pressed my cheek against Meadow’s shaved scalp. It felt warm. Too exposed. Too defenseless.
Then Meadow finally found enough voice for three words.
“Daddy said yes.”
I closed my eyes.
She whispered it again, as though repeating it might somehow make it hurt less.
“Daddy said yes.”
