She went into the kitchen but didn’t find her mother where she usually was. Fear crept up in her a little. She felt alone and panic threatened. She rubbed her sweaty palms on her blue jeans. Movement from outside the window caught her eye. Alley stepped to the backdoor to look out. She saw her mother on the sidewalk talking to somebody she didn’t recognize...but then that was nothing new. Alley walked out to find out who he was. “Hi, Mom.” Hi, honey. I’ll be in to fix breakfast in just a few minutes. We were just enjoying the fresh air.” Alley was confused. “Oh Alley, I’m sorry. This is your father.” “Dad? I’m glad you’re back. I have so many questions. I hope you can help me.”