I had plans to immediately go looking for mom’s high school journal, but I absolutely did not account for any singular aspect of my family. When Taylor pulled up to grandpa’s house, he was waiting on the front porch. I sat with him for a while, melting and trying to stay awake. It’s still super early, and the sun is practically blinding bright.
After what feels like an eternity, grandpa gives me a reprieve, and I sneak inside while he’s distracted getting more coffee and rush up the stairs to hide. I can hear grandpa chuckling at me. I huff and ignore him. I’m surprised to find that the door to mom’s old bedroom is closed, but I open it anyways.
“Go Away, Layla!” Gracie yells, before throwing a pillow at me. I slam the door shut and go halfway back down stairs.
“Grandpa? Why is Gracie a
