I Walked My Neighbor’s Daughter to School Every Morning — One Day, My Life Turned Upside Down Because of It

I turned back immediately.

“Hey,” I said, lowering myself to her level. “I’m right here.”

She grabbed onto my shirt with both hands.

The uncle exhaled sharply.

I straightened. “This part?”

The uncle gestured vaguely toward Marissa.

I felt anger rising in my throat like bile.

“So, what’s the deal you want to offer me?”

He said it flatly, like he was talking about a car lease.

I stared at him.

“You’re talking about her like she’s furniture.”

The uncle shrugged. “I’m talking about reality. Besides, she’s been saying Daddy Mike will help her since I got here.”

“And that means what?” I asked.

“It means she’s attached,” the uncle replied.

“And attachments complicate things.”

I let out a quiet, incredulous laugh. “You’re right. God forbid.”

He said it plainly.

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