The next morning did not feel normal.
Shelly woke up with a heavy feeling in her chest. It wasn’t fear exactly, but something close to it. Like she already knew things were changing, and she could not stop it.
She sat on the edge of her bed for a long time, just staring at the floor.
Last night kept replaying in her mind.
Spencer’s words.
“He knows.”
And Yash.
That made everything complicated.
---
“Mommy?” Shaina’s small voice broke her thoughts.
Shelly quickly turned and smiled. “Good morning, baby.”
Shaina climbed into her lap. “You look sad.”
Shelly shook her head gently. “No, I’m just thinking.”
Shaina touched her face. “Don’t think too much.”
Shelly smiled softly at that. “I’ll try.”
---
After getting Shaina ready and sending her to school, Shelly stayed quiet the whol
