"I didn't sign up to be your nurse," she said.
Greta stood near the couch holding a plastic horse by one leg.
Katherine looked at both children.
"I'm not throwing my life away for the three of you. I'll find someone who can give me the life I deserve."
The front door closed before Amelia finished coughing.
"I didn't sign up to be your nurse."
For months afterward, Greta asked when Mommy was coming home.
I always answered the same way.
"I don't know, sweetheart."
Years later, when both girls asked why their mother left, I gave them the only answer that did not require me to lie.
"That's your mother's story to tell one day."
Both girls asked why their mother left.
Now that day stood shivering on my porch.
***
"I'll help you," I said.
Relief arrived too quickly across Katherine's face.
"Thank you. Aiden, I knew underneath everything you were still..."
