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I swear thatout of my ears and onto the floor “You’re not mad?”

“Why on earth would I bein love with someone?”

“Because…” I say, floundering “He’s older He knehen I was a kid”

She snorts “It’s because of that reason it’s a goddamn miracle that he wants to be with you now You were a terrible child”

“Mom!”

She’s sh “Seriously, Katti If you removed all the obstacles you think are there, would you be with him? Would that make you happy?”

“Yes” There is no other answer

“Then take it fro else Don’t worry about Bryce and your father’s friendship Don’t worry about appearances Throw that away and do what is best for you Your father will co he wants in the world is for you to be happy” She stands and hugs me “At least think about it, will you?”

“I will”

I’ht She basically said the exact saot through more I’m still uneasy, and the idea that I should only think about one The fact that she didn’t even judge iven me some hope

We talk a little longer while we drink our tea—on topics that have nothing to do with love and roo upstairs to bed I’m exhausted Mentally, physically, and eer, and it shows I barely get the sheets pulled back before I’ down into perfect, dreamless sleep

15

I wake up late

There was no reason to set an alar to the hospital to see the baby My parents are late risers too, when they can It’s only ten, but I expect theht around now

Knowing Morowls in response to that thought Yeah, pancakes would be really good right about now I pull on some soft pants and a t-shirt and make my way downstairs, but I can already tell that it’s too quiet My mom keeps the radio on when she cooks, and they usually have so on

But no, the house is completely dead and silent The kitchen is e has been done this , but not the end of the world I’m just confused about where they are They don’t seem to be here