Chapter 4

As I slid my key into the lock, I heard voices coming from inside. When I opened the door, I saw Robert, Layla, Michael, and Lisa all sitting in the living room. Bills and papers were scattered across the coffee table, and the ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts.

When they saw me, they all stood up.

"Mom..." Layla was the first to rush over, her eyes red. "You're finally back! Where did you go? You didn't answer your phone..."

I changed my shoes, left my suitcase in the entryway, and sat down in the living room.

"I went on…