The summer sun beat down, and the cicadas chirped endlessly.
The four of them returned to the courtyard house, the little girl in tow.
Mr. and Mrs. Quincy rode their bikes out in front, while Cecilia, carrying the child on hers, rode side-by-side with Ian.
She said, "I think Mom and Dad are really angry."
"It's only temporary," Ian said.
Cecilia's feelings were complicated. She understood why they disapproved. Raising a child who wasn't your own flesh and blood carried risks.
But she didn't regret her decision.
"In a couple of days, let's find some time to look for a school for Claire." Then, remembering to ask the child, she said, "Claire, do you want to go to school?"
"No, Sister. I want to help you with your work."
Cecilia laughed. "And what work could you do?"
"I don't know. I'll do whatever you tell me to do. Or I can help you with things I'm able to do," Claire Jocelyn said seriously, her voice still childish. "I don't want to just eat for free."
