Chapter 3

Mom and Dad had no choice but to give in. They exchanged a soft sigh. "Alright, we also trust you can be a good mom.

"But we have to keep you safe. Let's find out a little more about that girl first..."

I didn't understand what Mom and Dad were saying.

But I knew my daughter was really good—Mom and Dad would definitely like her.

That night, my daughter sent me a picture. It was a pitch-black attic, with just a thin blanket spread out on the cold, hard floor.

She texted: [This is where I sleep every night.]

I stared at that dark attic, my heart breaking for her.

I turned around and took a picture of my twinkly star night light. I replied: [Don't be scared, sweetie! Next time, I'll share my star night light with you!]

She replied with a smile emoji: [Okay!]

Then she sent me another photo—a faded family portrait. She was grinning from ear to ear, and the woman hugging her looked really pretty, with a distinct mole on her ear.

I hopped out of bed and looked at my ear in the mirror.

Then I turned to Mom and bragged, "Mommy, look! I have a mark on my ear just like my daughter's mom!"

I made sure to snap a picture of my ear.

I texted: [Grandpa said that people who die come back with a gift. See? My ear has a mole just like your mom's!]

My phone stayed quiet for ages, and then the girl finally replied: [Will you always stay by my side, Mom?]

I replied: [Always!]

I could feel it in my heart—this was nothing like playing house. At this moment, I really had a daughter!

And I would always stay by her side.

That night, my grandparents gave me my allowance.

I generously transferred it all to my daughter.

The girl was really surprised. She asked: [Why are you giving me money?]

I replied: [Because you're my daughter! Moms are supposed to give their daughters allowance!]

She immediately returned the transfer.

The typing indicator kept flashing, but it took forever before her message finally came through.

She messaged: [Thank you, but I really can't take your money. My dad works on a ship, and he always makes sure my school fees and living costs are paid. I get meals at school...]

[Mom, all I need is for you to be with me every day and just be there to listen to me.]

My eyes got all watery—my daughter was so understanding, like a real grown-up.

I replied: [Okay! You can always talk to Mommy about anything from now on!]

Suddenly, my phone started buzzing. When I saw it was my daughter calling, I panicked a little, not knowing what to do.

What if she found out I was only five? Would she still let me be her mom?

After a long pause, I finally answered the call.

On the other end, I could hear the rain dripping onto the floor, and the voice of an older girl came through.

She said, "Hi, thank you for stepping in as my mom and being here for me."

I tried to make my voice sound deeper, but my sweet little kid voice still slipped out.

"That's what mommies are supposed to do!" I said.

Her voice trembled a bit. "Thank you. Right now, besides Ginger, you're the only one who's willing to be there for me."

I tilted my head and asked, "Who's Ginger?"

"He's the cat my mom had. He's nine years old now—he's pretty much an old kitty."

As she spoke, she took a picture and sent it to me.

The orange cat in the photo was fat and fluffy, but his muzzle and fur tips had gone grey—definitely a senior kitty.

I said excitedly, "Wow, what a cute kitty! Now you have both me and the kitty to keep you company, so you don't have to be sad anymore!"

"Okay, I won't be sad."

So every night, we'd talk on the phone. She'd share all the interesting stories from school and tell me how growing up was exciting and full of challenges.

And I'd pick up the new fairy tale book Mom got me and tell her the newest fairy tale.

Mom and Dad peeked in at my bedroom door, feeling a bit left out.

They shook their heads and sighed. "Looks like now that you have your own kid, you've forgotten all about your parents."

"Sweetie, are you not going to sleep with Mommy again tonight?" Mom asked.

I looked up at her, all excited. "Mommy, my daughter's name is Autumn Shaw. Isn't it pretty?

"It totally sounds like a little princess!"

Dad nodded with a sigh. "Sure, sure, your daughter's way better than mine!"

I pouted. "Your daughter's pretty good too!"