Page 20 of Echoes of a Southern Song

I get home and carry everything inside. I put Mr. Snuffles on a shelf, out of reach of Max. I stare at it as I put away groceries, my mind racing.

Why now? Why return it after all this time?

The knock at my door startles me. I open the door to find Dad standing on the porch, holding a basket of fresh herbs.

“Dinner’s ready,” he calls through the door. “Your mother made pot roast.”

“I’ll be right over.”

The familiar comfort of my parents’ kitchen washes over me as soon as I step inside. Mom stirs a pot on the stove, humming to herself, while Dad dramatically taste-tests the gravy, making a show of adding a pinch of salt.

“Needs more love,” he declares.

Mom swats him with a dish towel. “It needs less of you hovering.”

“Need help?” I offer.

“Sit,” Mom orders. “You’ve been on your feet all day.”

I don’t argue. I slide into a chair at the table, letting the familiar banter between my parents settle over me like a blanket. For a moment, I can almost forget about Sam, the lawyer, and the weight of everything hanging over my head.

“So, how’s Jack?” Dad asks. “We’d love to have him over for dinner again.”

I blink, caught off guard. “He’s good. Playing at Aggie’s tonight.”

Mom glances over her shoulder, her brow furrowing slightly. “You two seem close. I saw his truck at your place when I took my walk this morning.”

“Yeah. He’s been really great about everything.”

“Everything?” Dad asks, his tone too casual.

I hesitate, glancing between them. They’re both watching me now, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. For a split second, I consider telling them everything—about Sam, the annulment, the lawyer—but the words stick in my throat.

“Just life stuff,” I say finally, forcing a smile. “You know how it is.”

Dad studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. “Well, if you ever need to talk...”

“I know,” I say quickly. “Thanks.”

Dinner is warm and loud, filled with Dad’s terrible jokes and Mom’s fond exasperation. It’s exactly what I needed to put all my worries aside. Hanging out with my parents is always a relief and just what I need to recalibrate and face another day going against Sam and whatever he has planned.