The slight niggle scratching Twyla’s mind before opening the door heightens to gut-wrenching fear when she steps on to the wet landing. She spots Sky one flight below on the floor against the wall, head lolled to her chest, legs spread on the bottom step. A tight knot loops from her stomach to her throat. “No!” leaps from her mouth and a frantic dash ensues. “Mom!” Please, please, please be OK!
Please, please, please be OK!Twyla’s foot slips, and her leg sails forward. She seizes the rail before her bottom smacks the step. In an instant, she scoots forward, crawling on her knees to Skylar’s side. She checks her pulse with tears welling her eyes, and a familiar pain crushing her heart. The same heartrending ache that occurred with Grams’ and Papa’s loss arises again.
Taking Sky’s wrist an
