Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

"Let's see if you've eaten lunch. We're heading down right now,' Ama said, poking her head into the office.

"We were just about to go too," I smiled, grateful for the interruption My brain had been swimming with logistics for hours.

"Perfect!" Ama beamed, waiting as I grabbed my phone. I set my purse aside, and we left the office together, heading toward the

kitchen.

The kitchen was packed with people, but we squeezed through the crowd to the buffet area. They had laid out the basics-pasta, salad, bread, and yarious sandwich meats. An entire section was dedicated to fruits and vegetables. I grabbed some bread, made myself a sandwich, added a little pasta, and sat down.

"So Ama, how's that pool project coming along?" I asked, eager to hear about something other than the chaos of the past few days.

"It's going well. We've finalized the expansion plans and construction starts in the fall."

"That's great. So what project are you working on now?" I took a bite of my sandwich, watching her face carefully.

it might be a new library," Ama said, popping a strawberry into her

been thinking about. Ama could always read my mind like this-it's

if we need to start over. I'd rather use existing buildings than build something new. You can't

prom seating arrangements. I need to finalize those and follow up with everyone," Ama replied, her tone betraying a hint

me. Why did everyone

I could take some of the work off her plate." Ama shrugged as if it were no big deal. "That system you organized for me

run smoother."

calls," I sighed, feeling guilt and concern spreading through my chest. “I wish she would

she was a failure or weak. She idolizes you; she didn't want to disappoint you," Ama's words cut into my heart like a small

thought of Penelope suffering silently just to avoid appearing vulnerable in

life. She's grateful to you. Others are too. You might. not think it's a big deal, but you've single-handedly saved kids from life

fell silent for a moment, thinking of all those young faces.

to me today?" He didn't answer, just

of all her duties to give her time to heal. She had taken over my shop, and now I needed to take it