“I’ll take you to school today.”
That was the first thing Mama said the moment I stepped into the living room.
It was the first day of the school week, and I had fully expected Andy to be waiting outside like he always did every Monday. We shared the same class schedule — it became our unspoken routine.
But instead of Andy… it was Mama holding her car keys.
“You… you’re not working today?” I asked, pretending not to be caught off guard.
“I am. But my shift isn’t until later this afternoon. Why? Don’t you want me to drive you?” she teased lightly.
“It’s not that,” I mumbled, trying to act normal. “I’m just… not used to it.”
“Well, start getting used to it,” she said with a warm smile. “I’ve missed our morning bonding. Come on.”
“Wait—Mama, what about Andy? He rides with us every—”
