Celeste

Two Days Later

“Mother, I need to tell you what’s on my mind.”

My parents had finally returned from whatever trip they’d taken together—probably some romantic getaway while I suffered alone. I’d spent those two days building up my courage for this conversation, rehearsing what I’d say, and preparing for the inevitable explosion.

Mother looked up from the magazine she’d been reading, a pleasant smile on her face as she approached me. “What is it, my darling ...