XXIII.
WHEN MORNING TIME ARRIVED, THE sound of Amanda’s phone alarm rang out for the third time in fifteen minutes, even though we did not have to be up for another hour. I felt like she sets so many that it annoys her into getting out of bed. We do not even need to be up early this morning, but she has planned out a routine that she has stuck to for years, following it down to a tee. I know this is her way of dealing with what is going on with her mum, keeping a strict regime, not missing any steps and keeping to the minuscule detail. I guess if she can control something, it would get her through the day. Keep her anchored in place, where she can still be present for her mother.
I felt her shift next to me when I wrapped my arms tighter around her body, asking for five more minutes when
