Weird to be living back at the house again. And yet, it was like full circle in many ways. I'd taken my old bedroom from when I was a teenager, deposing my daughter who wasn't here full time anyway. I missed seeing her, hugging her, my chance to talk to her privately gone. Dad had come when I was at the Stronghold, taken her to Harvard. She'd be safe, if more angry than ever, protected behind the walls of the NAWC. I'd see her tomorrow, once I had some sleep and a chance to process everything.
Yeah, bad mom. But I didn't think she needed this kind of mother in her life right now. One that couldn't get a wink without starting awake with a scream on her lips and Dark Brother's weighty shadow haunting her.
My bed called, pulled me in, hugged me tight. And sleep came easily and quickly.
***