All my doubts were dispelled and I was once again buzzing with joy as soon as I heard Didi's laughter coming from the back yard. I walked faster while I crossed the living room and approached the screen doors. My heart was racing when I stepped out into the garden.

She was sitting on a deck chair, her naked legs distended in front of her, her body bent forward as she painted her toenails. She was wearing a violet tank top and baggy shorts that I recognized as an old pair of mine. Her hair was parted into two pony tails draped over her shoulders. Her pale complexion made her...