Chapter 23

“I missed you,” Kathryn said finally, her voice muffled.

“Oh, my baby,” her mom replied, pulling back just enough to look at her face. “I missed you so much. What took you so long to come home?”

Kathryn smiled weakly, trying to hold back more tears. “Life,” she said simply.

Their mom nodded, cupping Kathryn’s face in her hands. “You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

Trisha leaned against the wall, watching the reunion with a satisfied smile. “Told you this was a good idea,” she said, crossing her arms.

Their mom turned to Trisha and swatted her playfully. “You should have told me! I would’ve prepared something...