312 THE COLOR YELLOW

Madison sat down and calmly took her daughter's hand. Some people find it difficult to accept their daughter, but for what purpose? She sighed sadly as she reached forward and stroked her dark curls before kissing her forehead. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry I'm unable to protect you as I should. I wish I had the ability to hide you from everyone, but I don't." Her eyes pricked uncomfortably with unshed tears as memories of what it had felt like to be in Keisha's position flooded her mind. She had thought of it as serene and peaceful, but even at that moment, she felt like something was missing. And she had come to the undeniable realization that it was mostly because of her love for Ethan. That and the sound of him crying and begging her every day had helped make her uncomfortable to come back, even when all she wanted was to stay lost in that garden. "You know I was once in this kind of sleep," she started, still holding onto her hand. "It's quite peaceful. And beautif