128. A Man Who Kept One PromiseRoman

Mila insists on doing her homework at the kitchen island.

She says that her study table feels “too serious” and her bedroom makes her sleepy. The island, according to her, is the perfect balance between important and safe. I let her decide. I almost always do.

She sits on the stool, legs swinging, pencil clenched between her fingers, brow furrowed in concentration. Her hair is braided neatly today, Mercy did it this morning before school, humming softly ...