That’s when he noticed I was barefoot, standing on the cold floor. We’d rushed out so quickly that I hadn’t even put on shoes.
His face went through a mix of shock, sadness, and guilt.
Kneeling, he choked out,
“You’re only six. You can’t give blood to Mommy yet.”
I nodded, my heart sinking.
“That’s why Grandma keeps telling me to eat more and get strong, so I can be a good blood donor.”
My dad’s brow furrowed, and I quickly reached up to smooth it out.
“Don’t be sad, Daddy. I’ll grow up fast! Mommy named me Sienna so I could give her my blood, right?”
His expression changed like he’d been slapped awake.
Tanya had once said she envied Bella’s place in my dad’s heart.
“Why don’t we name her Sienna, in her memory?”
My dad let out a bitter laugh.
“Sienna. For her blood. You two really are something.”
I clung to his hand, my voice trembling.
“Did I say something wrong, Daddy? Does Mommy not like me anymore?”
“In my dream, she was so nice to us. Why is she so mean when I wake up?”
He didn’t answer, just held me close, gently patting my back until I drifted off.
Half-asleep, I heard him calling my grandma.
He was trying to keep his voice down, but it was clear they were arguing.