seth shouted up the stairs to the secret side of the attic . i explain everything the builder just said to me , but he cuts me off halfway through . tilting my head as she carefully sat down and scooted around to sit beside me , i asked , `` you seem extra chipper , something up ? '' tell him to ask , how many ? i bit my lip , feeling the slightest bit of regret for going off on her . i will never do that to my daughter , she said in a frail voice . 