The Bound Between Us

Chapter 904

To keep Daria quiet, Autumn bent down and said softly, "This is our little secret, just between you and Grandma. We won't tell anyone else, all right? Not even your dad."

"Why not?" Daria looked up at her, confused.

Autumn smiled and spun another story. "If the secret gets out, your mom won't be able to come home. She has to beat the monsters first, and she can only do that if no one knows."

Daria nodded solemnly. "Okay then."

"Pinky promise?" Autumn held out her finger, delighted that Daria was warming up to her. "Pinky promise-if you break it, you have to be a silly puppy!"

Daria giggled and linked her pinky with Autumn's.

Today, Daria was happier than she'd been in a long time. It was the first time someone had shared stories about her mom with her.

Autumn told her tale after tale about Julie. She painted her as heroic and kind, all the things a child would want to hear-even though, in truth, Julie had never spent a single day taking care of Daria.

Soon, it was time to leave. Caterina came to collect Daria.

As they headed out, Autumn called after them, "Bring her back the day after tomorrow. I really enjoy having Daria here."

"Of course, Mrs. Walker. You can see her anytime you want." Caterina smiled, her mind already on Autumn's generosity.

back, Caterina got a call from Joseph. She detoured and dropped Daria off at his place. Joseph had been caught up with his own distractions lately, but today he finally

Daria came in, Joseph waved at him.

and

Daria ran over

you go today?"

Daria's eyes shone. "Dad, is it true that once

their promises they just can't

have a mom," Joseph said, his voice flat. He hated when

mother. He figured it was all from watching too many

said my mom went to fight monsters!" Daria insisted,

nanny nearby nearly dropped her mug,

darkened. He turned to Caterina. "What's

to the amusement park, maybe another kid said something? They were playing at the ball pit, pretending to fight monsters. kids bragged that their moms are superheroes. You know

only half

Daria. "Which

at the amusement park!" Daria said earnestly, not understanding the difference. In his mind, a

press further. He picked Daria up and told Caterina, "Don't take him

Thank goodness Daria

Night fell.

and Herman had dinner at Salstrom Manor, and

got in