ARI'S POINT OF VIEW
When we got home that night my heels clicked against the marble floor and everywhere was sparkling clean. The entire house smelled like fresh pine. No dust. No crumbs. No wrappers. No toys scattered. No blankets on the couch. No mugs on the counters.
Better.
I let the satisfaction sit on my tongue like dark chocolate. Bitter but it makes sense.
Maxine and Marcus came rushing toward me like two puppies who did not get their favorite treat on time.
“We have not eaten,” Maxine complained. “The freezer is locked.”
Marcus folded his arms. “We are starving.”
I stared at them the way a judge stares at defendants who think tears can rewrite justice. I did not say anything. I just slowly lifted the lower part of my gown a little so I could walk up the stairs easier and I
