CATHERINE
“Do you have your prescription?” I asked, helping Ellie gather her things from the car.
She sighed. “Yes, I did.”
“And your water? You know you can use the school tap or any fountain, right?”
“I know.”
I buckled the strap of her bag, one I practically had to bribe her to wear. “What about your-”
“Cat,” she cut in. “I’m okay. It’s high school, not the army. I’ll be fine.”
I smiled, ruffling her hair. She smacked my hand away. “I know, muffin. Have a great day, okay?”
She was already walking away. “Bye, Catherine!” she yelled over her shoulder.
I stood there watching until she disappeared into the sea of students before getting into my car and driving off. Today, there was a pool of nerves floating in my gut.
For one thing, that creepy message I got. I tried calling the
