Semua Bab They Gave My Room to Their Chosen Daughter: Bab 11

Mom heard from Sophie that I had returned.When she called, her voice was so hoarse I barely recognized it.“Nora… let me come get you. Just tell me where you are.”“You don’t need to come.”I stood beside the hotel window, looking out at the city lights.“I’ll visit tomorrow.”After the call ended, I sat by the window all night.I was not afraid or upset.I was only trying to decide what expression to wear when I walked through that door again.The next morning, I put on a blue coat.I had bought it from the only clothing store near the research facility.Blue had always been my favorite color.When I reached the house, the front door was already open.Mom stood in the entryway.She had lost at least forty pounds. Most of her hair had turned white. An apron was tied around her waist, and flour covered her hands.From the kitchen came the smell of chili, garlic, and simmering broth.Spicy noodle soup.The moment I stepped inside, Mom’s knees gave out.She fell onto the tile with a heav