Chapter Eight

Julia

"Momma, will we ever have a Christmas tree?" the sad look in her eyes tugs at my heart. Her request is such a simple one and yet, still something that I can't give her. All children should know the pure joy of a Christmas tree, the twinkling lights, and multicolored baubles. I've only ever had one Christmas tree but I've never forgotten about it.

"One year, baby, one year." It's the same line that I tell her every year but it's something that I plan on making happen.... one year anyway. "You said that last year, momma." this girl may only be three but she has an incredible brain and memory.

The girl is home-schooled by me and with the limited resources that I have you would think that she would be behind for her age but she's not, she is incredibly talented and makes me insanely proud every day. "You're smart for a 3-year-old, chicken," Helen says as she comes to sit next to us. I swear this woman reads my mind several times a week.

"I'm almost 4!" Nina rushes out proud to a