~CHAPTER FORTY TWO~
Music fills my car as I drive. The beat settles into my chest. For a moment, I feel alive. I breathe easier.
My phone rings. I lower the volume a little. Sofia’s name flashes on the screen. Of course. It’s about our appointment.
I answer. “Hey, Sof. I’m sorry. I should’ve told you earlier. My plans changed last minute.”
She sighs, dramatic as always. “You owe me a very big bucket of ice cream. Tomorrow.”
I smile to myself. “Deal. You don’t even have to remind me.”
“Good,” she says. “Just don’t disappear again.”
“I won’t,” I reply.
She hangs up.
I turn the volume back up. The song pours through the speakers. I sing along, a little off-key, not caring.
For these few minutes on the road, with music and motion and no one controlling the wheel, I feel like myself a
