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Eventually, Imy tired ass out of bed and shuffle into the kitchen, where Sal and Stella are just sitting down in front of a big spread of food

“Good reets, and Sal offers a friendly smile in my direction

“I see you two have been busy”

“Your mom has been busy,” Sal corrects with a s the newspaper”

“I’ that’s only because she’s i smile in my direction

Stella doesn’t acknowledge any of it, though She’s too busy tossing pancakes onto a plate and sliding it over to me

“Here you go, Car”

“Thanks, Mom”

I don’t hesitate to dive right in, cutting intobite

But three chews in, rumble

Ugh Not again

I try to ignore the nauseous sensation and keep chewing, but it’s not going well

Just s it I shut my eyes and mentally coach myself You love pancakes They’re so delicious, remember?

When I openhis pancakes with an insane amount ofaround

Gag reflex activated, I drop my fork on my plate with a loud clank, hop up from my chair, and haul ass to Ryan’s andmy mouth to prevent a complete catastrophe

I barelyI just consumed exits my body

Well, everything I just consu else my body can find inside there to toss out

Gah This is so gross I hate puking

Beads of sweat drip down e of the toilet and try to get my body to chill out

What on earth did Stella put in those pancakes? Arsenic?

The es another wave of nausea,and even more sweat to accumulate on my forehead and neck and back

By the ti on the bathroom door, and my clothes are drenched like I just ran ten miles

“Carly! Open up! Are you okay?” Stella is persistent, and I do my best to calm her down