Chocolate-eyed baby

She walked out the door and never looked back. Our chocolate-eyed baby. It might have been less hurtful, perhaps, if she had left us for a better life or more opportunity, or if she had been old enough and wise enough to know what she really wants and needs. Now I am remembering how I used to cradle her in my arms, how Michael used to balance her on his stomach and watch her lift her heavy head to peer at him in wide eyed wonder, how Erin's love hugs used to make her howl in angry horror, how Jenny could always elicit from her a gurgle and a slobbery grin. Family was enough then. Being loved more than anything was enough. But somewhere down the road, I'm not sure where or when, our girl got lost. She became the girl who couldn't seem to love herself the right way. She sold out cheap. Way too cheap. And now she's gone. Our Chocolate Eyes.