“In the pictures?” Estelle sent a questioning look at Rachel.

“The Degas paintings that used to hang in the hall,” her friend whispered.

“Ah.” The paintings that now languished behind Estelle’s dressing room wall. “Well, I can tell you, it’s not dancing shoes either.”

“Well, if I can’t be a ballerina, then I’m going to be a doctor like Saba,” Aviva stated very matter-of-factly. “Though I’d like to listen to dancing music when I fix people.”

Estelle laughed. “I think that you would make a very excellent doctor,” she said. “And I think that you would be a wonderful ballerina as well.” She dropped her voice. “In fact, I think that you should be both when you grow up.”

Aviva’s eyes lit up. “Yes,” she said. “I will be both.” She clasped her small hands together. “But you still haven’t told me what the surprise is.”

“No.” Estelle pretended to button her lips shut.

Aviva glanced at Rachel and then beamed at Estelle. “Then it will be a surprise for everyone tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Estelle gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I have it all wrapped up, and I’ll leave it with your aunt after you go to bed. It will be waiting for you in the morning.”

Aviva grinned.

“Why don’t you go and put your apron on?” Rachel asked her niece. “And then we can get started on your cake right away.” She watched as Aviva skipped away before turning back to Estelle. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made her.”

“Aviva has already lost so much of her childhood. I’m not letting her lose this birthday. I’ll bring her gift over tonight.”

“You’re still really going to give her your violin?”

“Yes,” Estelle said firmly.

“It’s too much. She’s a child.”

“It’s not too much. I was five when I first learned to play. Honestly, I think the gift is more for me than her. I can’t wait to teach her.”

“I’m not sure if Hannah will want—”

“I don’t really care what Hannah wants,” Estelle interrupted.

Rachel winced. “She is Aviva’s mother.”

“Who lives in your home and has all but abandoned her daughter into your and your father’s care.”

“Estelle—”

“Fine. Let’s ask her if she has any objections to her daughter learning to play the violin. Where is she?”

“Sleeping.”

“Again?”

Rachel looked away. “Yes.”

Estelle rubbed her temples, self-reproach pricking at her conscience. “I shouldn’t judge. I’m sorry.”

“So am I. But I’m most sorry for Aviva that her mother has withdrawn from her. And that makes me angry, and then I feel guilty that I’m angry, and then I feel angry that I feel guilty.” She pushed her hair from her forehead. “But I lost a brother when Hannah lost a husband. And so did you.”