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.”

before

his phone into his pocket, he recalled asking his

thought made him

her Id visit Linda,

she’s okay with it?

appeased. Alex’s mood lifted.

he hurried to school, his steps light with purpose.

stood by the window, watching Alex’s retreating figure

a soft sigh and turned to the calendar hanging

furrowed. Today was circled in red “Work

relief and apprehension “After today.

breath, Nora collected her things and headed out the door.

Nora arrived at the office, the usual hum of activity buzzed

The as if

subdued, at id

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

long face, Megan? Nora asked,

sigh. “I was really looking forward

Chapter 38

fought the urge to roll

well known, and while most

had a good reason, Nora said briskly, logging

down, though, she suspected why Arnold hadn’t shown

around, Nora felt a dull ache building in her

back and stretched before

aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled

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