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That was before I became such a disappointment

I said, "I think sometimes it’s easier for a man to be the worst version of hi his heart"

Mama cracked open an eye "You been hittin’ the sauce thisexhaustion "I wish A nice little soul-nu way on a day like this But never et you to eat?"

At the reen "Lord, please don’t talk to , Math How about some applesauce or white rice? A bit of boiled chicken?"

Ma I couldn’t keep it down, baby Just let me sleep for a bit, I’ll feel better later"

But I knew she wouldn’t I knew this was going to be one of the bad days, the days when she’d never even make it out of bed

I put a fresh pillow under her head, kissed her cheek, and turned off the light on my way out of the room I knew I couldn’t leave her alone all day I’d have to co at the restaurant to check on her Her doctor hada ho the day to help out, and that was looking like a good idea

I’d thought I could take care of everythingthe restaurant and whatever Mainning to have my doubts

The second round of chemo started in a few days If it was anywhere near as bad as the first, I was going to need an army of help

I boiled a chicken breast and soe with a note in case she felt a little better later When I was about to leave, an envelope on the kitchen table caught my eye

It was froer under the glued flap, removed the folded piece of paper, and all the blood drained fro, blocky letters screaht-hand corner

When I read the amount due at the bottoood, long cry

BIANCA’S BLACKBERRY & BOURBON COBBLER

Makes 8–10 servings

12 cups fresh blackberries

¾ cup raw sugar

¼ cup high-quality bourbon

cooking spray

½ vanilla bean

1 cup granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon table salt

1 teaspoon le

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons butter, rees Coe bowl Transfer reased with cooking spray

Split vanilla bean, and scrape seeds into granulated sugar,sure vanilla bean seeds are distributed evenly