As we leave the hotel, I briefly consider going into one of the shops I’ve seen in the neighborhood to look for something new to wear to the hospital Christmas party next Saturday night. But I doubt Lizzie will sit still for that, so I dismiss the idea. We'll just wander around until, hopefully, she gets tired.
“Do you like Washington, honey?”
Lizzie nods repeatedly. “Yes, Mommy! But I miss Daddy. And Ben and Steffy.”
I squeeze her hand as we walk past the entrance to the zoo. “Me too. But Daddy will be here tomorrow, and then Sunday we’ll be home and you’ll see your brother and sister.”
That’s good enough for her, especially with so many things all around to distract her:
“No, we can’t go into the zoo now, they’re closed.”
“Yes, I’m sure the animals all have someplace nice and warm to sleep.”
“No, the zoo is still closed, just like it was five minutes ago.”
“Yes, I saw that dog. Yes, he was really big.”
“No, we can’t have ice cream now, we haven’t had dinner yet.”
“Yes, that’s a very big Christmas tree.”
“No. Because Thai food makes Mommy have an upset tummy, that’s why.”
“Yes, that looks like Billy’s daddy, you’re right.”
I stop dead in my tracks. It is him, Congressman Hanratty.
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