Chapter 38

sking up. “I just wanted to say hi.“

Aunt Linda,” Alex replied without looking up.

Nora’s chest tightened, but she said nothing. She didn’t stop him.

The car ride continued in silence, save for the fam tapping of Mex’s hugers on his phone,

Nora kept her eyes on the road, though her mind was elsewhere.

She told herself it didn’t matter, that Linda’s presence in Alex’s life didn’t diminish her role as his mother.

But the lingering ache told a different story.

The message from Linda arrived just as Alex was putting his books into his backpack

He glanced at his phone, his heart pounding in worry.

**Just a minor illness, AlexTM Linda’s text read. “No need to worry. Rest up, focus on school, and I’ll be fine.“”

Alex frowned, chewing his bottom lip.

He knew Linda hated being fussed over, but her vague assurances didn’t sit well with him.

His fingers flew over his phone screEIL

**Til come by right after school, Aunt Linda. Don’t try to talk me out of it.”

send before she could respond.

his pocket, he recalled asking his mom,

made

her Id visit Linda,

she’s

momentarily appeased. Alex’s mood lifted.

tune, he hurried to school, his steps light with purpose.

watching Alex’s retreating figure

a soft sigh and turned to the calendar hanging on the kitchen

brows furrowed. Today was circled in red

her voice tinged with relief and apprehension “After today. I

Nora collected her things and headed out the door.

the usual hum of activity buzzed around her, but something felt off

The as if

id anticipation

who sat at her deck with a pouty expression, her clan resting in her

with the long face, Megan? Nora asked, setting her

meeting.” Megan replied with a dramatic sigh. “I was really looking forward to

Chapter 38

the urge to roll

well known, and while most of their colleagues humored her, Nora found

a good reason, Nora said

she suspected why Arnold hadn’t shown up. “Linda must

Nora felt a dull ache building

chair back and stretched before heading to the pantry for coffee.

brewed coffee filled the air, soothing her frayed

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255