into the kitchen. His voice was softer now, trying to so

e're taking her to the track next weekend. Thought it m

me. It was my escape, a place where Ismael would teach me the lines of the course and Danial would handle the logist

rse. The center of their gravity had mo

xes tucked away in a corner, already la

or?" he asked, hi

my voice noncommittal. I opened the f

mael said, his tone suspicious. "You're acting weir

ct backward. My distance wasn't a symptom of m

d at the screen, and his expression immed

the other end. Something about a flat tire on a deserted road. She sounded h

" Danial said, his voice a comforting balm. He hung up and

rd the door. "Ange, we'll be b

stood there for a moment, the cold water bottle in my hand. They didn't even ask if I was okay, if I needed anythi

wn to glowing embers, the last of our shared history now

and dialed a number I

t Ca

oice was a stark contrast to the coldness that had just filled my home. My aunt was the o

ol," I said. "Actually, I

se. "Moving? Ba

es

d understanding. "Is this because of Danial and Ismael? I saw how t

"I need a change. And...

ars." She sighed. "I always thought it would be yo

nt Carol. That's all we ever were." The lie tasted like ash in my mou

ee you before

e for dinner tomorrow. I

for the first time all day. "And Aunt Carol? Please

econd. "Alright, honey. Yo