Thirty-Four
After a while, Solma’s sobs subside. Her eyes prickle but she’s got no tears left and a thunderous headache looms in her forehead. Bell plies her with tea, holding it to her lips when she’s too tired to raise her own arms. She fights at first, swears at Bell (who is uncharacteristically patient) but the tea is warm and soothing, calming her hammering mind. She stops fighting and accepts the help. After a while, Bell switches from tea to cool water and slides a bowl of soaked oats across the table.
“Eat,” she says.
Solma tries, but her stomach churns and her hands barely have the strength to grip anything. She’s so tired. Tired enough to miss her Ma, which she hasn’t admitted to herself for a long time. She wants to be Warren’s age again, curled up in Ma’s arms, Ma gently str
