Chapter Forty Two

Madeline’s POV

I’m packing the few belongings I brought from my apartment and some childhood relics into huge borrowed reusable bags my mother has somehow collected over the years. The hour hand moves past twelve but I don’t feel like sleeping.

I want to savor this moment in my Mother’s- in my home forever.

But as soon as I return, I’ll have to either eat out or apply the little culinary knowledge my mom has granted me. I’ll have to continue with therapy and start my job again. And worse, I’ll have to face whatever Andrew and I have become.

I tighten up at the thought.

My bag barely zips close when I tug at it. I fasten the cords and make sure everything is intact. Aged books, extra clothes, magic eight ball, scattered drawings… what am I missing?