"I understand," She nods, feeling tears slide down her face and she tries to wipe them away before Angie sees but her daughter looks up, puts the cereal bowl on the floor and walks over and looks at her seriously.

"Mommy?" She touches her shoulder. "Why are you crying?"

Kim lowers her hand from her face and reaches out to bring Angie closer, rocking her slightly.

"Do they need me?" She asks after a moment, her voice soft and almost trembling.