Kaatjie had managed to stave off the earlier tears by their coming all the way here; this time, they spilled over, coursing down her cheeks. She wiped at her eyes with one hand, but it did nothing to prevent them — they were still coming, and her chin was wobbling, and she would be embarrassed if she wasn't so mad.

"I want to go home!" she said, tone rising sharply, because it felt too embarrassing to admit that she'd wanted a father.