INKA
It was evening, and the kitchen smelled like heaven—herbs, roasted chicken, and fresh vegetables sizzling in the pan. After the cab dropped me off at the mall, I’d made a quick stop at the grocery store with my limited savings.
I had gotten a job now, so I could spend a little. Plus I hadn't been feeling good about Riley paying for everything. But I'd had no choice.
She'd made sure we had the basics since I first moved in, but tonight called for something special, a celebration, a reminder that good things could still happen, even for someone like me.
I was setting the small dining table when I heard the front door open.
“Inka?” Riley called out, her voice bright with exhaustion and excitement. “Oh my God, it smells amazing in here!”
She stepped into the kitchen holding a bottl
