That night, I talked with Fern for a long time. I didn’t finally give in to sleep until three in the morning.

When I woke up the next day, the scent of food hit me. I rubbed my slightly red eyes from lack of sleep and threw off the blanket to get up.

The living room had already been cleaned spotless. A sticky note sat on top of the table—left by Fern.

Zaina, I’m heading out. I made you breakfast and put it in the warmer. Don’t forget to ...