Chapter Ten

The literary group

I don't remember what time I went to sleep the night before, but I wake up with my body completely sore. I exhale hard, and he presses the back of his hands over my eyes to, perhaps, wake me up from sleep.

— Is everything okay, Aurora?

Desiree reached up with one hand to brush back one of the strands that fell across my face.

I'm so happy to look at her, looking good and smiling, it's like taking a long sip of strong, hot coffee first thing in the morning. It invigorates my strength.

— I'm fine, mother – I offer her a smile, thus trying to disguise the pain in my shoulders – it's good to see you too.

— You look so pale.– Are you sure you slept well?

Although I don't like lying to my mother, I don't feel like telling her about my worries from yesterday, even though I know she doesn't know why.

— I'm just tired. I stayed up late last night writing that book.

— What wonderful news.

It's good to see my mother smiling.

— My father is staying with you this aft