On the subway this morning, my heart was nearly broken. A man got on with 2 little girls at Downtown Crossing (Washington St.). The younger one, about 5, got a seat immediately. I stood up and the elder, about 8, sat down a few seats away, and sat scowling, looking at the floor. The man stood by the younger one.
She asked "Who was that little boy?"
"He's older than both of you. His name is Junior."
"But who is he? Is he part of our family?"
"Yes, he is."
"Then why doesn't he live with us?"
"He lives with his mother."
Silence.
"Daddy, are you going to live with us now?"
"Yes, I am."
More silence.
"Daddy, if you promise to never go away again, then I won't be mad at you."