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“That was four hours ago.”
I check the time. It’s almost one. I didn’t realize it was that late.
“I’ll just make a sandwich later.”
“You sure?” She shuts the fridge and turns to me. “I don’t mind making something.”
“I’m not that hungry.”
“What about Nova? Do you think she’ll want something?”
“Maybe later. She’s sleeping now.”
My mom walks over to me. “Her fever should be down by now. If it’s not when she wakes up, I think we should take her to see a doctor.”
“She won’t go.”
“She doesn’t have a choice. I’m taking her whether she likes it or not.”
I smile. “You just can’t help being a mom. She’s not even your kid.”
It was just a joke, but my mom doesn’t even smile. She almost seems angry as she goes over to the sink and starts scrubbing it with the sponge.
“Mom?” I walk over to her.
“What is it, honey?”
“Is something wrong?”
“No. I’m just trying to get some cleaning done. Snow days are always good days to clean. That’s what your grandmother always said.”
“It just seems like you haven’t been yourself since Dad took off for his trip.” I pause. “You guys aren’t having problems, are you? I mean, I know you guys are fighting, but you’ll get over it, right? When he gets back?”
“Of course,” she says, but the way she says it isn’t convincing. “Your father and I will talk when he gets home.”
“What started this? What are you guys fighting about?”
“That’s between your father and me,” she says, scrubbing the sides of the sink. She flips the water on. “Honey, I have a lot to do so maybe we could talk later.”
“Yeah. Okay. Maybe I’ll start on the driveway.” I turn to leave.
“Easton?”
“Yeah?” I turn back.
She shuts the water off. “Has Nova told you what happened between her and her father to make her leave?”
“No. Why? Did she say something to you?”
She pauses a moment, then shakes her head. “No. I just wondered.”
“I probably don’t want to know. Whatever it is, it’s gotta be bad if she’d rather live in her car in the middle of winter than live with him. I’m gonna change clothes and go plow the driveway before Nova wakes up.”
“When you’re upstairs, could you ask Jenna and her friend if they want lunch?”
“She’s got a friend here?”
“Yes. Talia. Her father dropped her off.”
