And so she told her daughter the truth. She nodded. “I was telling Ethan about your daddy’s family, sweetheart, about how they behaved, what they were like.” Autumn tightened all over. Joanna said, “Did you get some rest, sweetie?” Autumn nodded. “I woke up from my nap, Mama. Big Louie was licking my toes and Mackie hissed at him.” Ethan asked, “Big Louie only licks big toes. Did you keep them from lighting?” “I guess because my feet are a little smaller than yours, Ethan, he got them all. Mackie only swatted his nose once.” “And what did you do?” “I hugged him, kissed his nose, and then he nearly licked my face off.” She pressed closer to her mother and whispered in a small voice, “You told Ethan what I saw them doing?” Joanna nodded. Autumn looked at Ethan. He saw such fear on that little face, it was like a punch in the gut. Joanna held her hand tight and said, “Why don’t you tell him about it yourself, Autumn?” She licked her lips. “It’s too scary, Mama.”
