Page 142 of Embrace

Ten minutes later, Scarlett comes back with two glasses of apple juice. My mom’s bent over the puzzle at the kitchen table, completely focused.

Scarlett slides the juice in front of her, casual as anything. “Kiyomi had apple juice. Can you believe it? It’s my favorite.”

My mom glances at her, taking the glass easily. “Mine too.”

I hold out the pills like they’re nothing more than vitamins. Mom takes them without hesitation, washes them down, and goes right back to fitting pieces together.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Watching her, I can’t stop thinking about how many times Kiyomi’s probably had to do this, guessing moods, finding the right moment, walking that tightrope between care and patience.

And it just cements the fact that I really want to learn, I want to get to know my mom again, even if it means in moments like these.

My phone buzzes a few minutes later.

Kiyomi:Anything happen at pill time?

Kian:She didn’t want it at first. But it’s handled.

Kiyomi:I can come home.

Kian:Let me do this, Ki. I want to learn.

Kian:Have fun for once.

Kiyomi:Ok.

I stare at the messages for a while, smiling faintly. Then I look back at my mom, who’s humming quietly to herself, and I think I recognize the song as she places a piece that fits perfectly. Scarlett cheers, high-fiving her.

As much as I miss how it used to be, when my dad was still here and my mom was the one I’d known my whole life, I think I’m okay with this. These small pockets of good.

Fifty-one

Scarlett

When I walkinto the hockey house after my exam, I’m not surprised to hear noise coming from the living room, but I am surprised to find everyone screaming.

Dylan’s got Sierra caged to his chest, his arms cinched tight around her while she squirms and glares up at him. They’re both balanced on the arms of the couch like the floor is lava. Across the room, Summer’s on the coffee table with my boyfriend crouched behind her, peeking out through her hair.

Summer elbows him. “Stop hiding behind me! Go catch it.”

“I’m allergic to spiders.”

She twists to glare at him. “How would you even know that if you’ve never gone near one?”

“Yeah, take one for the team, Ishida,” Dylan calls. “Or else we’re gonna have to burn this house down. Aiden and Eli won’t be happy.”

“This is why I hate long distance,” Summer mutters.

“Because your boyfriend isn’t here to catch spiders?” Kian says, peeking out again.

She elbows him harder. He pouts, and I can’t help the grin stretching across my face.

“If you would just let go of me, I could do it,” Sierra grumbles into Dylan’s chest.

“No way, baby. As your boyfriend, I can’t let you kill a spider.” He presses a kiss to her temple.

She glares. “Then you do it!”

“Hell no. Did you see its legs?” Dylan shudders, setting off a chain reaction of shivers around the room.