Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

It seemed like hours, but finally Momma came

in to get me. I looked behind her, anticipating Daddy

too. Maybe, somehow they had worked out their

differences and they were going to give our family

another chance. Maybe Daddy had said some magical things and they had both thought about their early days together when they were so much in love. I

waited for the words; I prayed for them.

"I bet you're famished," Momma said. "I know

I am."

"Is Daddy going to eat with us?" I asked

hopefully.

"No, it's just like old times," she said dryly.

"He's off to his shipyards."

"Off? Did he leave?" 1 cried. Oh, surely, he

didn't leave without saying goodbye, without giving

me a last kiss.

"Yes, he's gone. Let's go to dinner." She turned

away.

But he can't be gone, my brain screamed. Not

without saying goodbye. I hurried out behind her, but

instead of going straight to the dining room, I went to

his office.

The door was closed and when I opened it, I

looked into a dark room. Momma waited in the

hallway. I spun around, the tears streaming down my

face.

"Where is he?"

"I told you, Leigh. He left."

"But he didn't . . he didn't kiss me goodbye," I

bawled.

"He wasn't in the mood to kiss anyone. Now