Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 27

The day Savannah left the hospital, the snow had just stopped, revealing a bright, clear blue sky. The trees lining the road shimmered with a fresh layer of ice. Javier drove to pick her up himself, the silence between them in the car heavy and palpable.

Allison sat in the back seat, her breath fogging up the window as she doodled with her finger. Her heart was brimming with joy. Her mom was finally coming home. She drew a little family portrait on the glass, and her face beamed with happiness.

Savannah caught sight of the drawing and felt a sharp pang in her heart. Tears threatened to spill, but she quickly turned her head to wipe them away, then managed a smile. "Allie, your birthday's just around the corner. What do you want as a present?"

Still focused on her window art, Allison replied in her sweet, clear voice, “Mom, I want a Bluey."

“A Bluey?” Savannah asked gently. "Is that a kind of puppy? I've never heard of that breed."

My friend told me there's this craft

turned to her mom, her eyes bright. “Last week, Olivia and George painted some really cute ceramic

soft smile. “Okay, if that's what you want, then

hand, Allison and her mom walked into the craft shop. Having pre-ordered the plain ceramic dog, they didn't have to wait. The shop owner brought it out,

was their first time crafting something together. Allison was thrilled with the result; her Cinnamoroll looked just like the reference picture, maybe even

the shop, they headed to a nearby bakery. Savannah carried a cake in one hand and held Allison's hand with the other as they walked through the swirling snow. Suddenly, Savannah stopped, turning to her

anything." Savannah's words were soft,

her, so she didn't think much of it. In her clear, bright voice, she replied, "Mom,

bay. Her precious Allie was

her emotions, Savannah turned away and continued walking. Allison, clinging to her mom's hand, navigated through the bustling Main Street to the outdoor parking

the snow, smoking, his face clouded with sadness and solitude. It was a look she rarely saw. Just as she was wondering about it, Javier noticed them

stubbed out his cigarette and,