CHAPTER NINETEEN

I woke up with hints of a headache and a frown. My eyes immediately strayed to the clock on my nightstand, and I squinted so I could better see the time.

Six o'clock. My mind reminded me immediately that it was the weekend and not a workday. I almost immediately fell back in bed, but then I remembered the children. I was awake too late for them already.

I peeled myself off the bed and staggered into their room. I was still groggy from sleep, so I rubbed my eyes and stretched my bones. They made no difference; my mouth tasted sour and my hard bangs There was a constant ringing noise in my ear, and my body felt like I had been dragged through hell all night.

I winced as I felt a bone crack, and then I pulled my hands through my long bangs. It had a lot of knots in it. If I could find the time between today and tomorrow, I needed to visit the saloon. But as soon as I started thinking about it, I was not so sure anymore.

I peeled at the children’s cot and smiled when I still found the