I never knew terror until her arrival. People exaggerated, I thought. The fat rolls and giggling, then crawling with gusto. A smile so sweet, never before seen on earth. Then, sitting at the table unafraid of any food, refusing help to leave her chair. Pigtails and running with glee on tiptoes to foil the Tickle Monster and his hunger for her plump, perfect toes. Charming thoughts shared in a calm little voice. How can it be? Me, often remote and rarely warm, melted by this little human. Defenseless to her spontaneous hug. Worried when she’s out of sight. Now I know.