She stared at me.
“A child can understand that something costs money without believing she has to become smaller because of it.”
That finally made her cry.
I pulled her into my arms.
“You are allowed to enjoy things.”
“You’re allowed to have the last cookie.”
“You’re allowed to choose the horseback ride.”
“And you’re allowed to let someone else help you.”
She whispered, “Even if you worked for it?”
“Especially then.”
The Grocery Store
The next morning, Mia went grocery shopping with me and her grandmother, Dorothy.
She picked up her favorite cereal.
She checked the price.
Then she put it back.
“I’ll get this one instead.”
