My daughter and I spend an entire day alone.

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5:45 a.m.

I slipped soundlessly into Gabby's bedroom, closing the door behind me. I had some time, but not a lot. I'd waited about five minutes once I knew Stella was in the shower thanks to the way the water smacked against the shower pan at irregular intervals. I needed to be back in bed before another five minutes passed if I wanted to play it totally safe. I could've pushed it to ten, but I didn't want anything to derail the day I had planned.

It was another Monday. It was a school day and Stella was working 7...