Chapter 85 - Grief is everywhere

The morning sun is just starting to peek over the sky as I quietly slip through the front door, the sound of it clicking shut behind me louder than I want it to be. My heart pounds in my chest as I tiptoe across the hallway, hoping—praying—that my mother is not  awake yet.

I spent the night at Liam’s again. I can hardly believe I did it. I stayed out the whole night again, we lost track of time, and now here I am, sneaking back in like some sort of criminal. My pulse quickens at the thought of my mom finding out. If she knew… I don’t even want to think about it.

As I round the corner into the kitchen, I freeze. My mother is sitting at the kitchen table, a half-empty cup of tea in front of her. She’s staring at nothing, her eyes red and puffy. My stomach twists. She’s been crying again.

I stand there, frozen, wondering if I should say something or just slip past and pretend I didn’t notice. Maybe she won&rsquo