Chapter 4

Melissa had somehow ended up next to my mom, gently holding her arm. Her voice was so gentle it could bring tears to your eyes. "I know this is hard for you to accept, and I don't expect you to acknowledge me right away. Just... as long as you know I'm here, that's enough for me."

My mom didn't push her away, but she stayed silent.

Melissa looked up and caught my eye across the crowd.

Her gaze flashed by, but I saw it.

She looked so pleased with herself.

It was the look of someone who knew they'd already…