Chapter Forty Three

Madeline’s POV

I wake up uncharacteristically early. The sunlight barely breaks through the puffy, gray clouds that gather in the sky. I squint at the clock and pull myself up.

For a split second, I forget where I am and panic. Realization sinks in and I slump over again.

I’m glad I packed my things the night before, I would’nt have been able to do that today.

Eventually, I change my clothes and scan the room for anything I’d leave behind. When everything seems in place, I heave the bags over my shoulders and head out of the guest room. I peer up at the stairs that lay untouched since last night.

Mom isn’t up yet.

I smile and consider leaving a note on the kitchen table for her to find when she goes to cook breakfast. I start opening drawers and cabinets quietly in a rushed attempt to find a piece of paper an a pen.