MACEY 

The moment I walked back in, I spotted my mom downstairs. She didn’t bother hiding that little smile playing on her lips, the one that always made me feel like I was exactly where I belonged. She looked like she’d been waiting for me, pacing just slightly, maybe rehearsing a dozen ways to ask about my evening. I hesitated, then called softly, “Hi, Mom.” 

Her smile widened as she straightened and started walking up the stairs toward me. “Hi, my princess,” she said ...