She looked at Harry now with an expression that wasn't quite judgment but wasn't quite understanding either. She fell asleep in the car, Angela said quietly, gesturing to where Ella was slumped in the back seat. Wore herself out with all that performing. Thank you for doing this. I know it was last minute.
Angela studied his face for a long moment. "Everything okay, Harry?" "Work emergency," he said. The lie tasting bitter on his tongue. It couldn't wait. She didn't press further, just nodded and helped him transfer Ella from the car to his arms.
His daughter stirred slightly, her small hands finding their familiar grip around his neck, her face burrowing into his shoulder. Daddy," she murmured, still half asleep. "I'm here, baby. Let's get you to bed." He carried her inside, moving quietly past the living room where Carara's silhouette was visible on the couch, but Ella's eyes fluttered open at exactly the wrong moment, and she lifted her head to look around. "Daddy, who's that lady?" Harry's heart stuttered.
"She's someone from my work, sweetheart. She got sick and needed a place to rest for the night. Ella squinted at the couch, then looked back at her father with the unfiltered curiosity of an 8-year-old. Is she going to be okay? She'll be fine by morning.
Now, let's get you to bed. He carried her to her room, helped her change into pajamas, and tucked her in with the stuffed elephant she'd had since she was a baby. When he leaned down to kiss her forehead, Ella grabbed his hand. You missed my song, Daddy. The words were simple.
Matter of fact, delivered without accusation. That somehow made them worse. I know, baby. I'm so sorry. But Angela recorded it and I'm going to watch it first thing tomorrow morning.
I promise. Ella was quiet for a moment. Okay, she finally said, and the easy forgiveness in her voice nearly broke him. Harry pulled a thin blanket from her closet and spread it on the floor beside her bed. He lay there in the darkness, staring at the glow in the dark stars Ella had stuck on the ceiling 2 years ago, and listened to her breathing slowly deepen into sleep.