Life Happens. Sandra Steffen

to Elle’s questions. The girl stretched and yawned. Taking the hint, Mya started for the door.

      At the last minute, Elle said, “Mya?”

      “Yes?” she asked without turning.

      “What would you have named me?”

      There was a sourness in the pit of Mya’s stomach as she looked back at Elle. Swallowing the lump that had come out of nowhere, she said, “I would have called you Brynn.”

      Elle tried the name out on her tongue. “Like your store.”

      “Yes.”

      “Does anyone else know that?”

      Mya’s answer was a barely perceptible nod.

      “Your mother?” Elle asked quietly.

      “No.”

      “Your friends?” Before Mya shook her head again, Elle said, “You told him, didn’t you? Dean Laker. My birth father knows.”

      “Yes, Dean knows. Good night, Elle.” Somehow, Mya managed to leave Elle’s room without stumbling.

      Back in her own bedroom, she turned out the light and closed her eyes. But her eyes wouldn’t stay closed. She thought about the day Elle was born. Whenever she recalled that period of her life, it was always with a sense of great physical and emotional pain. Her labor had hurt so bad she’d cried and begged just to let it be over. And when it was finally over, she’d felt so empty.