Page 200 of Sins of Innocence

No one ever told me that loving three little humans could hurt like having a heart attack.

"Too many people live here," Joy says with little girl wisdom.

"You're telling me," Sadie says fervently. "I have to keep my clothes in Mom's closet. I don't even know where you keep yours."

Most of my clothes are still at the Bunker. Not that I have a lot, but even my limited wardrobe is too much to fit with both Áine and Sadie's things in the closet and dresser.

"My crayons and new markers live under Gran's bed." Joy wrinkles her nose, clearly unhappy by that state of affairs.

Neeve sighs. "I have to get up before everybody else if I want to straighten my hair."

"Because you take forever," Joy says.

"I do not."

"You do."

"I don't."

"You really do."

Sadie points between them. "Focus."

They both look chastened for nearly three seconds.

Then Joy whispers loudly, "She takes forever."

Neeve nudges her with a foot. "I heard that."

"I know."

I wait.

Eventually they remember why they're here.

Sadie looks back at me.

"I think Mom would like another bathroom."

Neeve snorts. "She says so every morning."

Joy nods solemnly.

"And every night when Gran's taking a bath and Sadie's brushing her teeth and Neeve's doing her hair and I have to pee."

Neeve covers her face. "Oh my God."

"What?"

"You didn't have to say that."

"It's true."

"It is," Sadie admits.

Joy shrugs. "I thought honesty was important."

"It is," I say.