“Look at me, pretty girl,” Mammy said after my sister had stomped out of the room. “Show me those big, blue eyes.” I did. “There you are.” Smiling warmly, she brushed my hair off my face. “You are perfect, do you hear me?” I nodded. “You are my baby, and I will always look after you.” She tickled under my chin and smiled. “And you must never let anyone make you feel like there is something wrong with you.” She tickled my chin again. “Do you understand me, Lizzie?”
