Gemma had always been so fond of her long curls, that it seemed strange that she would want to cut her hair so short. But maybe she had changed her mind… After all I’ve been gone from her life for three months. What do I know, really?

I leaned back so I could see her better, cupping her sweet cheeks in my hands. Running my fingers through her sweet, brown curls. The haircut suited her face, with its delicate elfin features and wide green eyes that matched mine and my mother’s. They match Sara’s too, I realized.

“I missed you too, Mommy.” As Gemma spoke, I noticed that she had lost both her front teeth. Oh, how much I have missed over these last few months, I thought, sadly.

I don’t care what anyone says. Being an addict doesn’t necessarily make you a bad parent. I still loved my daughter and had cared for her every day, until … until the drugs took over completely.

I was a good mother once. I’ll be an even better mother this time…

“How have you been?” My voice shook with grief and emotion.

Gemma shrugged. Another brunette stepped up beside her, looking back and forth between us, curiously.

“And you must be Susie,” I smiled. Susie was pale, her skin translucent, blue veins peeping through her eyelids and cheeks. The young girl nodded, shyly.

“No more drugs?” Gemma asked, catching me off guard.

My face fell and immediately I looked over at Francis to confirm my worst fears. Did they really tell my seven-year-old daughter about my drug use? How dare they?

Francis merely shrugged.

“No more, I promise,” I whispered, eyes wet as I pulled Gemma in for another hug.

“Come along now, my silly goose. You don’t want to miss supper.” Sara, who I hadn’t even noticed had joined us, placed a firm hand on Gemma’s shoulder. I watched as she steered my daughter away to the dining room.

Susie gave me a small, timid smile then ran after them.

“You told her?” I whisper-shouted, turning to Francis, who was still standing watchfully by the chaise lounge. “I thought we agreed that she was too young. I told her I was feeling ill, that I had to go away for a little while until I felt better…”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “We didn’t actually agree on anything, Norah. And I’m fairly sure she already knew. That sort of behavior isn’t something you can keep hidden. Surely you know that by now…”

My uncle walked off, leaving me standing there with my mouth hanging open.