“I know. So you’d better get them in while you can.”
Daisy kissed the top of her daughter’s head and looked into the same blue eyes she had seen just hours ago.
Their resemblance was undeniable, more so every day. She pushed the thought away, as she always had, and let Amelia tug her toward the kitchen.
“Nani, Mommy’s here!”
Daisy’s mother swiveled in her chair, getting up to kiss her daughter’s cheek. “Hi, honey.”
“Hi, Mom.”
“Everything all right?” Dena asked, studying her face.
Daisy blinked once, then nodded. “Yep. We just have to head out soon.”
“You’re not staying for dinner?”
Glancing at Amelia, who was glued to the TV, Daisy shook her head. “Kevin’s coming home tonight. I need to let Ron into the apartment.”
“The bird?” her mother scoffed. “You’re taking my grandbaby away for a bird?”
“Mom, she’s here all the time. I thought you’d be happy to have some alone time with Dad.”
Her mother waved a hand. “Oh please. That man’s driving me crazy. Amelia’s the only reason he hasn’t gone completely off the rails.”
“Thanks for watching her, Mom. We’ll see you on Monday.”
Her mother pouted. “Monday?”
“Fine, come over on Sunday for lunch. Stay the weekend if you want.”
Dena brightened, pulling her famous chicken lasagna from the oven. “I think I may.”
“Of course you will,” Daisy muttered, eyeing the bubbling cheese.
Her mother pulled out a Tupperware container and supposed, “I’ll pack some up for you and Amelia.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Daisy called to her daughter, “Come on, Amelia. Grab your schoolbag.”
“But Nani said I could stay forever.”
Daisy shot her mother a look before kneeling beside her daughter. “But Kevin’s coming home today. Don’t you want to say goodbye?”
That did it. Amelia sprang into action, bag packed, shoes on, goodbyes given. Daisy hugged her parents, collected the food, and headed out.
Ronald opened his door almost immediately, Kevin bundled in his large hands. “Ready, girls?”
“Yes!” Amelia beamed. “Mama bird is gonna be so excited.”
Together, they went upstairs. Daisy unlatched her bedroom window and lifted Amelia so she could watch. The nest was full of twitching heads, unusually quiet.
Of course,Daisy thought.Now they behave.
Mama bird darted forward, pecking at Ronald’s hand until he opened it. When Kevin tumbled back into the nest, her shrill cry filled the room. The little bird was welcomed with chirps and wings.
Daisy kissed her daughter’s cheek. “All is right again.”
With Amelia still in her arms, Daisy patted the old man on the shoulder and said, “Thank you for healing Kevin and thank you for appeasing your crazy neighbors.”
