The map burned in my thoughts all night, its neat red circle imprinted behind my eyelids every time I blinked. Even in the darkness of our bedroom, I could still see it, like a ghost image after staring too long at the sun.
By morning, I’d decided on two things,
First, I couldn’t sit on this, and every hour I waited was another hour my mother stayed in that room.
Second, if Noah found out too soon, he would shut it down.
When I finally slid out of bed, Noah was already gone. The imprint of his pillow was still warm, a sign he’d left only minutes ago. That should have been a relief, but instead it felt like a warning even in his absence, I was being timed.
Nova padded into the kitchen in mismatched socks, rubbing her eyes. “Cereal?” she mumbled.
I poured her a bowl, added strawberries
