Maddie's Swing

The unexpected trip to her Aunt Kate's. The confusing conversation overheard from the top of the stairs. Her dad's tighter-than-usual hug. Eleven-year-old Maddie wasn't quite sure what to make of it all. After two days of wondering, Maddie's dad explained the situation. Maddie, her dad and Aunt Kate squeezed together onto the porch swing. They swung together in silence—all wondering how this news would affect the days to come. The story comes full circle as Maddie gets the signal she had been hoping for.

-- Sarah Atkinson