Pale-blue fabric. Full skirt. Simple sleeves.
I remembered how carefully she’d asked whether I could make it.
I’d mistaken her caution for politeness.
My ten-year-old had been trying to manage my finances while I was trying to give her a happy Halloween.
Something had to change.
The next afternoon, I received a message from Stacy.
We’d barely spoken since Zach left me, so seeing her name was unsettling.
Her message surprised me even more.
“Melanie, I hope you don’t mind me contacting you. Emma mentioned the Halloween video and asked whether I’d seen it. Zach showed it to me last night. I wanted to apologize if the costume caused any trouble.”
I read it twice before replying.
“Emma appreciated the gift. What did Zach tell you about her costume?”
Stacy answered almost immediately.
“He said you were having trouble finishing it and that Emma might not have something suitable to wear.”
