Chapter 10

After a day of scholarly stress, I stop by Aunt Hilda's to check on Marco, but he isn't home yet, so I tell Aunt Hilda I'll be on my way to work. I ride my bike and eventually get back home. As I open the door, the sight of Mom in her favorite white sheath dress dancing to a piece of instrumental classical music greets me. She stops her graceful movements when I shut the door. I look at her appreciatively and then she beams me a smile.

"What party are we celebrating?" I joke.

She sways her head to the beats of low piano notes. "I just felt like wearing your grandma's dress again."

"Well, you look great in it."

"I'll give this to you soon."

I hate myself for interpreting that very differently. I step forward and fix Mom's hair. "We'll survive this life, okay?" I reassure her.

She nods with a smile. "Of course, we are."

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you so, so much, my Stella." She kisses my forehead, and then we collide into a tight embrace.

I then made her dinner and give her some CDs of