I called Mom while I was shopping and asked, “Should I bring chocolate cake or apple pie for Christmas?” – Welcome

back toward us.

“Mom says we just need one good break.”

Monica looked embarrassed.

“Laya.”

“What?”

“Homework has made her philosophical.”

“I hate math,” Laya announced.

“That isn’t philosophy.”

“It is to me.”

I laughed.

For the first time since my mother’s phone call, something inside my chest relaxed.

One good break.

I had spent my morning preparing to hand a continue reading …