If Anna Min hadn't already read this book a dozen times, she would have no real idea what was going on because she'd been concentrating too hard on listening for footsteps. Eventually she heard them and her toes curled with anticipation. Would he spot the light and know somebody was in here? The knock actually made her jump a little; she'd been hopelessly pessimistic lately, so she hadn't really expected him to stop to talk, even if he realized she was there.

Part of her wanted to let go and indulge in that full-tilt running but the hurt and pessimistic side of her brain reminded her that he still might not really be back. He might just be saying hello before disappearing again for another month or maybe even forever. So Anna Min stayed where she was and smiled back at her father, making an effort (and mostly succeeding) not to look as scared as she was.

"Hi, Daddy."