“You took the time you needed, Willa. I was always going to be here waiting.” She nods and sniffles again. “I know. I knew that. And that meant…a lot. Thanks for all the food, too. And the back rub. And playing with my hair like Mama—” Her voice catches. “She did that for you?” Willa nods. “She also whistled at my games, like you have.”
