would happen before New Year’s Day.

Chapter One: The Christmas I Hoped Would Be Different

That morning, I dressed Lily in her little red velvet Christmas outfit while the winter sunlight slipped through our bedroom curtains.

She sat between two folded blankets on our bed, kicking her tiny feet and making happy noises as I carefully fastened the buttons on her dress.

A small white bow lay beside me.

My mother had specifically requested that Lily wear something cute in her hair because, according to her, we needed nice family