Page 123 of Come Back to Me

“What’s up?”

“You know how most shelters are designed for their residents to stay up to six weeks, right?”

“Yeah, but Sunset Cove’s shelter is different. It allows survivors to stay for up to three months.”

“It does, and I’ve been here for three months. Basically, my time is up.” She breathes out. “I’m ready to move into my own apartment. I should’ve taken the leap months ago, but I created a routine that I’ve gotten used to. What do you think?”

“I think this is amazing. Do you know when you’re moving out?”

“So, here’s the thing. I won’t be moving into my own place right when I move out. I talked to Laura, and she insisted on taking me in for as long as I need. I didn’t want to interrupt her routine, but she said it would be nice for her to have a roommate. I’d be surrounded by friends, which is something I haven’t experienced in a long time.”

“Does Noah know about this?”

“He does, and he’s been more than supportive about it.” She raises an eyebrow. “My move-out date is next Wednesday at 11 a.m., but you don’t have to come because I know you have classes. I’m thinking ofhiring movers to help me move out. It depends on how much stuff I have to pack.”

“I can always come after my classes and help you at Laura’s.”

“You’ve done so much for me over the past several years. Sometimes I think your childhood was stolen from you because you had to grow up so fast. I want you to focus on your classes, basketball, and your friends. If I need you, I’ll let you know. Okay?”

“Okay.”

If there’s one thing about my mom, it’s that she’s one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met. There’s no point in arguing with her because she doesn’t stop until she gets her way. I’ve learned to agree with her, even if it’s something I disagree with. She’s an adult, and I need to let her do her own thing.

We can’t learn from our mistakes if we don’t make any.

I think she passed her stubbornness down to me, but I’m more tolerant when it comes to compromise.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what this chapter brings. It feels like I’m a twenty-something in a fifty-seven-year-old woman’s body. It’s so liberating.”

“You’ve always acted way younger than your age.”

“Alright, we’ll talk at some point before the big moving day.”

Walking towards the front door, I look back at Mom. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.” She blows air-kisses in my direction, waving goodbye to me.

When I make it out the door, I see Violet sitting on the steps next to Mom’s apartment. She’s scrolling on her phone because what else do people our age do to pass the time?

She’s so cute.

She lifts her head and sees me. “Hey.”

“Areyou ready to go?”

She nods.

We begin our five minute trek back to my truck.

“So, my mom is moving out this Wednesday.”

“Wow, that’s great!” She studies my facial expressions and body language. “Itisgreat, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. I can’t believe three months flew by this quickly. She’s not moving into her own apartment for a while though. For now, she’s moving into Noah’s house with his mom.”

“She’s going to live with Laura? Hm, interesting.”

“Yeah, I thought so, too. I know she regrets not having more of a friendship with her because of everything that was going on. She didn’t have any interest in having friends, but now she wants that. I’m really happy for her.”