Page 53 of Nyx

"I remember those days," Melissa says with a grin.

"I'm going to head to the office," I tell the group. "Let me know if you need anything. I can add something to the grocery list for flyaways."

"Thank you," Dana says before turning her attention to Dean, who is trying to add another pancake to his plate. "Son, save some for the others."

I smile as I leave the room, seeing Daisy coming down the stairs.

"Good morning," I say to her, not dropping my smile when she gives me a nasty look and doesn't respond.

Some people, including kids, just aren't morning people.

"Sorry," I hear, making me turn back in that direction.

I look at Daisy, smile still in place.

"Your mom says you had some hair struggles this morning," I say to her. "I’m going to add a product to the grocery list that will help with that."

The anger fades from her eyes, replaced by a gratitude that looks very familiar.

Kids, and even sometimes the adults I've worked with, aren't used to being able to get the things they need, much less having access to the things they want.

"Really?" she asks.

I shrug. "I don't think the shopping will happen until tomorrow afternoon, but you'll have it soon."

A smile grows on her face, but then she looks down, the tip of her shoe drawing a circle on the hardwood floor.

"Did you need something else?"

She's slow to lift her eyes to me, and I hate the doubt clouding them.

"What about some little clips?"

"I'm sure that's possible," I offer. "Would you want neutral colors or vibrant colors?"

She considers the question longer than I think is necessary.

"My dad would say that I didn't need to draw attention to myself," she whispers.

"I understand that," I say, knowing I'm walking a fine line. It's not part of my position to tell her that her dad's opinions shouldn't matter right now. "But what do you want?"

"I want something colorful," she says, the doubt somehow growing even more in her voice.

"How about I get you both, and then you can decide daily what you want in your hair?"

Her eyes glisten, the threat of tears forming on her lower lashes. "Really?"

Hair clips shouldn't be such a big thing for anyone, and I hate that this child is struggling with something so simple.

"Of course," I say. "Now get to breakfast before Dean eats all the pancakes."

She gives me a wide grin. "Thank you so much!"

"Of course," I tell her, but she's already skipping away.

It amazes me how something so simple can change her entire day.

Sadness creeps in as I step into the office.