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."

her head. "It's a cartoon puppy. I want a ceramic one. My friend told me there's this craft

her eyes bright. “Last week, Olivia and George painted some

if that's what you

into the craft shop. Having pre-ordered the plain ceramic dog, they didn't

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

Savannah carried a cake in one hand and held Allison's hand with the other as

anything." Savannah's words

Her mom often told her she loved her, so she didn't think much of it. In

struggled to keep her tears at bay. Her precious Allie was still so young, just twelve. How would

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

was parked there. From a distance, Allison spotted her dad standing in 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 and quickly masked

Javier stubbed out his cigarette and, in a hoarse voice, said, "You're back."