Nicholas looked down at her for another moment and then went to his bedroom and
stared at the ceiling until it got dark. He was glad his mom had left him alone. Before he fell
asleep that night, he tried to remember that day at the beach in more detail. A seagull had
carried off their chips. His dad had thrown him in the air and caught him on the way down. His
mom, pregnant with Lily, had joined them as the sun set. A few days later, his dad was stuffed
in his army fatigues and had left for good.