“But whatever happens next, it’ll be my choice.”
“Maybe they will.”
That afternoon, I packed and took Dad’s photograph from my desk.
Vanessa watched from the doorway.
“Your father wouldn’t want this, Zoe.”
I turned toward her.
“He wanted me to have a future.”
I packed and took Dad’s photograph.
She looked at the photograph.
I carried my suitcase downstairs.
Outside, Aunt Ria was waiting beside her car.
She offered to help with my bag.
I handed her one end.
We carried it together.
Aunt Ria was waiting.
Life at Aunt Ria’s house took some getting used to.
The first morning, I woke before sunrise and went downstairs.
She was making breakfast.
“You’re up early,” she said.
“I can finish that.”
“You can join me, honey.”
“You’re up early.”
I hesitated.
“Are you sure?”
“Zoe, I invited you here because I wanted you here.”
