Chapter 1

    Connie Aberdeen flipped on the radio as she moved around the kitchen getting lunch. It was lovely, this new kitchen, she thought. After years spent living in cities, putting up with cramped, crowded and dark apartments, Connie had only to gaze out of her own kitchen window to feel peace overtake her. She bustled around the kitchen as she prepared lunch, the newness of the delicate blue checked wallpaper catching her eye as she walked by. Connie heard the horn intro to the old standard, 'Sentimental Journey,' as it started playing on the radio. She sang along, full throated and vibrant at first, then quieting as she dialed it back, hoping to avoid waking Sarah. But, either the noise or something else woke Sarah, who appeared in the kitchen doorway in only a moment, cuddling a ragged stuffed bear, and dragging a tatty security blanket.
    "Hi, sweetheart! Are you ready for lunch?" Connie asked.
    Her heart turned over, as it always had, at the sight of the little girl.
    "What we havin'?" Sarah asked, her voice still quiet with sleep.
    "Tuna fish and potato chips, your favorite."
    "Can Stinky have some, too?" Sarah asked, holding up her bear.
    Joy trickled in Connie's heart. "Of course Stinky can have lunch with us. I'll get another plate."
    "Good." Sarah's small-voiced reply left no room for doubts.
    Connie placed an empty plate in front of one of the chairs, and lifted Sarah onto a booster seat. Then pouring herself some iced tea and Sarah a glass of milk, Connie sat in her own chair. She watched Sarah take a big bite of sandwich and offer Stinky a potato chip. Connie pretended not to be looking as Sarah took the chip away and rushed to eat it herself. Connie had to bite back a smile, but she managed to keep a solemn expression.
    "Why was you singin'?" Sarah asked.
    "I guess I liked that song. Why, honey? Did my singing wake you up?"
    "I was already awaked."
    Connie nodded, her face still solemn. "Oh, I see."
    "I likes it when you sing."
    "You do?" Connie asked.
    "Yeah. You useta sing alls the time, then you didn't."
    "I guess for a while there, I didn't feel like singing," Connie said, hoping that the explanation would satisfy the little girl. Her heart started racing. Connie turned her head to the window and watched the tall oak trees swaying in the wind, hoping for a bit of calm. Sarah didn't seem to notice Connie's anxiety.
    "You should sing more," Sarah said.
    "Well, maybe someday I will," Connie answered, with a fond gaze for this little girl that she loved with all of her heart.
   "Connie?" Sarah asked.
    "Yes, honey?"
    "Is Mommy gonna come home today?"
    As she heard Sarah's question, Connie's heart stood still.