Sophie
Lower back. Ankle. Upper thigh.
Emma
When?
Sophie
When I wanted to.
Sadie
Milo’s about to get one.
Emma
A blue butterfly?!
Sadie
No. I’m not sure what he picked out yet.
Sophie
You two are turning into #couplegoals
Emma
So, does this mean you’re coming home now?
Sadie
No.
Emma
Well . . . just text Mom to let her know you’reokay. Please.
I sigh.
Sadie
Fine.
I close out of the group chat and pull up a text with my mom. The last thing she texted me reads . . .
Mom
Sadie, honey. I don’t know what’s going on, but your dad and I just want you to know we love you. I hope you got a hold of everyone before you left. There are people counting on you.
I inhale sharply.
Sadie
Mom, we’re in New Jersey right now. Not sure when I’ll be back home. I’m doing something for myself for a change. Love you both.
I hear the buzz of the tattoo gun and quickly close out of my messages, putting my phone back in my purse. I walk back toward where Milo is lying on a leather table, the bottom of his forearm turned up as Holly leans over intently.