A tear fell down his cheek. And then another. I wrapped my arms around his neck because big hugs always make the tears stop.
“My baby girl. I love you, so much.”
“I love you, too,” I whispered.
“Always keep your head up and be proud. Don’t let anyone walk all over you. Ever. Be strong. Listen in school. And . . .” Joey dropped his arms the second my daddy came into the garage.
“What? What’s going on in here?” Daddy sounded grumpy and he didn’t look happy with Joey. I tugged on his shorts.
“Daddy? Can you take me to see Kelcie?” He looked down at me. “What?” I really wanted another ice cube and to go bye-bye in the car with the cold air blasting in my face. Maybe there’s a big swimming pool in the clouds. “Kelcie. In heaven. Can you take me?”
Daddy grabbed Joey by the shirt. “What did you say to her? Tell me right now!”
Joey yelped and tried to push my daddy.
They danced into the big silver ladder that was on the wall and it scared me when it crashed down to the floor. Daddy hit Joey in the face and his white teeth turned red.
Daddy grunted. “You stupid, irresponsible moron. You’re nothing but a piece-of-shit, good-for-nothing punk.”
So many people came running and everyone started yelling.
Mommy grabbed Daddy’s arm and pulled. “Dan! Let him go!” I covered my ears because it hurt. I wished Ken was with me.
We both needed someone to play with.