Chapter 60: Dahlia

Morning came in whether I wanted it to or not.

I woke up still in yesterday’s clothes.

The papers were on the bed beside me, slightly crumpled from where I’d fallen asleep on top of them.

My face felt swollen. I knew without looking. I did what needed doing in the mirror…cold water, concealer, enough that a stranger wouldn’t know. Someone who knew me would know immediately but that wasn’t today’s problem.

My mother had left for the vineyard offices before sunrise the way she always did.