Chapter 22: Chapter 22

"So, you think it'll be another few days?"

I can't keep the disappointment from my voice. I miss my mom. Even though we butt heads sometimes, I love her. I want to be around her, and it feels like forever since I was. She was supposed to be home on Tuesday, but she picked up another shift. Always another shift. More shifts mean more money and more money means less tuition I have to pay. I have a good shot at getting a scholarship, but if I don't, I'll have to come up with the money. She reminds me of that every time she leaves. We've gone longer stretches without seeing each other, but so much has happened recently.

So much I want to tell her about.

So much I want her to know.

"At least. Monday, baby. Probably Monday." She takes a deep breath, like she hopes she's not lying to herself. "How's school going? Classes and everything good?"

"Yeah. Same."