Chapter 137

“Are you sure it’s okay? Your mom won’t mind, given the weird atmosphere?” Elisa looks borderline terrified as I lead her into the house after school and shrug it off. Not caring one iota if my mom minds. It’s been weeks since I had my friend home for dinner, and I want to get some sense of normal back in my life while it’s still in self-destruct mode.

Home feels weirdly warm and inviting today as the delicious smells of baking bread hit us in the face as we yank off our school jackets and kick off our shoes. I guess Monique is in the mood to spend the afternoon in the kitchen, and I thank her mentally for the years she always made this feel like home. Her small touches, her constant presence, and today, the smell of her pouring love into our food has been the only thing to comfort me lately.

“Kayla, you’re home. Elisa…are you staying for dinner?” I don’t get to answer as my mom appears in the hallway as though she’s been waiting for the door to open and answers for me. She