Penelope touched her father’s cheek. Ralph pushed her hand away. “Pfsh!” he exhaled. “It looks worse than it feels. Don’t you worry, Penny. Everything is gonna be all right now that you’re back. Una thinks you’re going to get that job at the elementary school. It’s a sign—everything falling into place so quick! It was time for you to come back. Now, I had always imagined your mother would be here, too, when you came home.”
