Chapter Twenty-One: Alex

A bright light pries my eyes open. I blink several times until I can see clearly. Looking around, I realize I’m still sitting on Amber’s porch. A blanket covers the lower half of my body. A warm sliver of hope drifts through me. She knew I was out here, and she cared enough to give me a blanket. Is she not angry? I pick up the soft blanket, it smells like her. Now I know why I slept so well. A loud whistle turns my attention to the open back door. Her long hair is pulled back, the inky strands glittering in the sun. Her pink lips curve into a smile.

“Coffee?”

“Please.”

I follow her through the house, looking at the broken plates on the floor, the boxes stacked everywhere. It’s obvious that she can’t wait to leave. She lifts up on her toes to reach a cabinet full of mugs. Her baggy shirt lifts, show