My mom found a boyfriend

is radiant, always humming, always holding his hand. I start avoiding home. But one evening, Mom calls me urgently. Her voice shakes.

“Ava, he proposed!”

My stomach flips. “What?”

“He took me to the lake, got down on one knee. Oh God, honey, I’m so happy. Say you’ll come to the engagement party!”

I hang up without replying. My hands tremble.

That night,continue reading …