The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 11 Family drama

Ethan

Following the direction of Paisley’s pointing finger, I scan the crowded courtyard for my daughter’s look alike. Despite my best efforts, I don’t see anyone fitting her description. I believe Paisley saw a child who resembled her, but it seems like she’s gone now. “I’m sorry sweetheart, I don’t see her.”

Paisley drags her expectant gaze from my face, looking back across the mall. Her little face scrunches up in disappointment when she too fails to find the child in question. “Daddy, I swear. She looked exactly like me! Maybe she’s my sister!”

Chuckling warmly, I tug my pup towards the theater entrance. “I know you want a sister, my love, but your mommy only gave birth to you.”

“No, daddy, that was my sister.” She insists stubbornly. “I decided!”

This is not the first time my daughter has invented an imaginary sibling or invisible friend to play with, after all, don’t all children at this age? I know it’s no use arguing, and I don’t want to stifle her creativity. Instead I shake my head in amusement and agree, “All right little one. Sister or not, it’s time for the movie.”

From her expression, Paisley suspects I’m merely humoring her, but she doesn’t argue. She’s too excited to see this film. For the next two hours, my sweet pup delights at the antics of the characters on the sprawling silver screen, and I sit back and enjoy the sound of her laughter. With her medical

troubles I have to relish every moment of joy we can find, especially the simple joys like this one.

of rich Italian food, we gaze out the floor to ceiling windows as night falls over Nightfang Valley. Just as thousands of electric lights spark to life below

her to the restroom. I always hate navigating public facilities like this. If Jane was here she could take our pup inside the ladies’ room and help her through the process. Unfortunately, I can do no such thing. I know it’s not a big deal, but I don’t like taking my eyes off Paisley in public places, especially not

girl has a prideful streak. “Daddy

wait right here.” I vow,

inside, I

without being recognized, and the tabloids keep

finally emerges, though she starts to walk off in the opposite direction. “Paisley, Daddy’s

and belatedly wondering if she somehow managed to change clothes in the

and fight my

she does not topple out of my arms. I don’t know what game she’s playing, but I

not Paisley!” She narrows her green eyes to slits, “I’m Riley and I don’t like you. Let me

in the vicinity of my hip, and

truly isn’t Paisley. She smells similar, but Paisley’s fragrance is slightly sweeter and more delicate. More importantly, this pup smells like Paisley did when Linda brought her home the other day; like the Blonde

in shock, and my daughter begins bouncing up and down in excitement, “Daddy, you found her! You found my

of my hands, stunning me so completely I freeze in place. She’s already moving away when Paisley calls after her, “Mommy?” She swings her attention

pup. The blonde slipped away so quickly that I waste valuable time trying to find her, relying on my vision rather than my other senses. By the time I knock enough sense into my head to