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“And maybe a bath?” Malik asks

“Do I srimace

Malik laughs with a shrug “I’ve been trying hard not to inhale too deeply, but I’m sure a toothbrush in your mouth wouldn’t hurt either”

Myrooirl is alo run a bath for Anna”

“Mom, you really don’t have—”

She cuts lare “Let your mom help, okay?”

“Okay,” Iup on lare, but it bounces off He just sroceries as he walks by

My oes into the bathroom When I hear the water in the bathtub turn on, I hoist myself off the couch and shuffle in behind her

Leaning against the doorjarabs some lavender-scented bubble bath and pours a few capfuls in Suds immediately bloom and multiply

Glancing over my shoulder toward the kitchen where presuroceries, I turn back to my mom and murmur, “I’m sorry I didn’t call you I should have”

“What’s that?” she asks, straightening as she pivots to face me

I know day twice “I’m sorry I didn’t call you I should have because I ay sicker than I thought, and I could have used the help with Avery It was stupid not to”

Reaching out a hand to touch irl… I respect your need to be independent Just remember I’m always ready to help you out”