Chapter 26

Life

Eva

I’m listening to music when my mother knocks on the door of my room. My tattoo has healed completely and I can’t believe my mother never even noticed. No, I can believe it.

She knocks again and I say “Yes.” Maybe something’s happened because my mother never knocks.

She just opens, comes in, and does what she wants to either leave the laundry or ask me why I haven’t put my shoes back on the shoe rag.

“Eva? Are you sleeping?”

“No,” I say and take my headphones off.

She closes the door behind her and sits at the edge of my bed.

All right, something’s happened then.

I doubt that Miss Chase has called. Or she might have, but my mother wouldn’t react that way if she had. I just know.

Which means something’s wrong.

I adjust my pillow higher and lean back straighter.