The rain grew heavier again, pattering down.
Mrs. Zane held an umbrella as she knelt before her daughter. Her mouth was slightly agape, her eyes filled with shock. "Sherry... Sherry..."
Mr. Zane looked just as astonished.
Sherry Zane's face was soaking wet, tears mingling with the rain.
She stared at Mrs. Zane, her gaze wounded. "I heard you with my own ears. You and Dad said it with such regret in your voices."
"I..." Mrs. Zane opened her mouth, wanting to explain but not knowing where to start. "Sherry, it's not what you think."
"Then what is it?" Sherry Zane choked out. "You and Dad just wanted a son! I'm a daughter, so I'm an embarrassment to you!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Mrs. Zane's voice grew agitated. "It's not what you think at all!"
"See?" Sherry Zane was laughing and crying now. "You don't even know how to explain it. I'm not in your hearts at all!"
"Sherry!" Mrs. Zane screamed in anguish. "It's not like that!"
