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“I’m sorry I just” her mother trailed off, her voice thick “You won’t be a prisoner here In fact, I’ll give you Abigail’s key until I have another one o the fundraiser today Everyone will understand”

Abby’s father squeezed her n of solidarity and support—before stepping forward

“Why don’t I drive you to your place, Yoel? We’ll go pick up sorab so toward the door

“Fine I’ll stay a while longer But you can stay in the car while I gather up ht as well have shot daggers at her father “I’m not helpless”

“Deal”

Abby’s randfather left In the absence of their presence, her mother turned and wandered into the sunroom off the foyer

Abby remained at the bottom of the stairs, er in her belly dissipated as she followed her mother Already seated in the rattan love seat, her aze focused on nothing at all

Abby drew closer, pausing outside the French doors, which were propped open She surveyed the roo when they put on the addition how GG had helped her reen leaves and foliage for a year-round display of color behind the glass The spacious yard, with their luscious grass and the aqua waters of the swi pool, served as a tranquil backdrop Now, in the

reen thumb was evident, more than ever, in their home She had often joked her mother couldn’t keep a weed alive What would becoardens now? Without GG, they’d probably be reduced to nothing but weeds

She pushed the thoughts away before they formed hooks on her heart and cleared her throat to h the ansas obvious

“No” Her mother shook her head She reached toward the coffee table and picked up a largeStearipped it in her hands “At least my coffee’s still hot,” she murmured

Her mother’s tired eyes took Abby in, swollen fro since GG passed

Abby sed “Things are going to be different now, aren’t they?”

“Many tilue that held this faether Without her” her ed, like she had no clue ould happen to their family now

“Grandpa see in the funeral horief flashed through her mind