Chapter 362

Madison

The weekend arrived with unexpected sunshine and a sense of anticipation. Mom and I packed overnight bags and set off for Connecticut in a rental car.

“It feels like an adventure,” Mom said as we drove out of the city. “I haven’t been on a road trip in years.”

I smiled, feeling the tension of the past weeks begin to fade. “Me neither.”

The drive was pleasant, the countryside gradually replacing the urban landscape. We listened to oldies radio, singing along to songs we both knew by heart.

Our first stop was a small colonial-style house in a quiet neighborhood.

“It’s charming,” Mom said as we pulled up.

The realtor, a cheerful woman named Linda, showed us around the property. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, and a backyard that made Mom’s eyes light up.

“I could plant a garden here,” she said, looking out at the empty space.

“It’s a great starter home,” Linda assured us.

We visited three more