Chapter 36

The sounds of creaking floorboards and loud whispers outside of the door pull me from sleep. I blink a few times, clearing my vision, and squint against the sunlight seeping in through the curtain. My eyes feel enlarged and heavy, sensitive from hours of crying. I look around the room, taking a couple of seconds to remember where I am.

I'm home.

The whispers stop and my mom opens the bedroom door a small crack. She peeks inside, smiling at me softly when she realizes that I'm awake. My dad hovers in the hallway, not wanting to intrude, but wanting to see me to ensure that I'm okay.

"I wasn't sure if you were awake yet," she says.

I nod. "I am now," I sigh, rolling over and pulling the blankets up to my chin. Mom enters the room and stands at the foot of the bed. She motions to the empty space beside me. "May I?" she asks.

I nod again. She crawls into the bed, laying down beside me. She takes me into her arms, holding me like she did the last time I was in this situation. The la