The banging of pots and pans in the kitchen and the soft smile on Jules' face were the only things keeping her mind at ease.
Her mom had requested soup in the afternoon,h but she'd told the cook to leave it till she got back from work because something about making it herself felt right-necessary.
Soup was the first thing she'd ever learned to cook. And every time she made it, that same familiar thrill from the first time washed over her all over again.
"Put this in a tray." Jules ordered the cook after dishing a portion into a small bowl.
Then she placed a glass of water alongside the bowl and made her way up the stairs to one of the guest rooms where her mom was temporarily staying.
But the bed was empty when she got there.
She didn't even hesitate.
"Mom?" Jules called as she ope
