Oh, Wanda. So transparent. Rose looks at Wanda, and I can feel her confusion and sadness. She looks at me, and:

لماذا لا تحبني

The words are hot and white in my mind. It takes some great power to force thoughts on me like that, and I look at Rose with surprise.

"I don't love anyone," I say in reply, gently. "That doesn't mean I don't think you are special, Rose. You are. You're the most special girl in the world." I smile over her head at Wanda. She is my daughter too, and it shows in all sorts of ways.