“I didn’t think you’d believe me.”
Aunt Ria replied.
“I’m sorry you felt that way. You can stay with me while we figure things out.”
I thanked her, but I didn’t promise anything yet.
Vanessa found me in the kitchen that afternoon.
I typed three different answers.
“Who have you been messaging?”
“Aunt Ria.”
Her smile disappeared.
“What did you tell her?”
“How things have been here.”
She set her purse down.
“Who have you been messaging?”
“You’re upset because you missed an interview, Zoe. It’s not life-threatening.”
“I missed it because my hearing aids disappeared.”
“You keep blaming me.”
“Then help me find them.”
She looked away.
My phone lit up.
“It’s not life-threatening.”
The college had replied.
An alternative interview was available the following week, with live captions and written questions if needed.
I had to confirm by that evening.
Vanessa leaned toward my screen.
