“Oh, there’s ducks over there! I love ducks.” “You do?” My mom’s advice, about finding out the things Violet liked and getting them for her, rang in my head. She nodded enthusiastically. “They’re so cute.” I opened the car door. “I’ll get you one.” “Wait—” I took off running, ducks waddling out of my way, some taking to the air. But not before I plucked a fat one off the ground. I tucked it beneath my arm and carried it back to my truck. Violet gawked at me. “You just…you caught a duck.” “Want to pet him. Or her? I don’t want to misgender them, but I don’t know how to tell the difference. Do
...more
