Chapter 4

Mom called me while I was grabbing an extra helping of ribs in the hospital cafeteria. I couldn't help it—I was in a good mood.

Courtesy of some idiot troublemakers whose antics had really made my day.

Mom's voice came through the phone, cold and sharp. "When did you move? Why didn't you tell me?"

I played dumb. "Oh, Mom, didn't you say not to bother you unless it was important? It's not like I'd dare trouble you with something so trivial as moving.

"I moved last week. The rent went up, and I couldn't afford it anymore. Or maybe…