The porch light was still on, even though it was midday. My mother’s green raincoat dangled crooked on its hook. I sat there, staring at it, until my phone vibrated in my lap.
I barely remembered the flight.
« Are you coming in, Nadia? » Aunt Karen’s voice crackled through the screen, sharp, even when trying to sound gentle.
I pushed the door open and stepped onto the path, suitcase bumping behind me. The air smelled like cut grass and someone else’s laundry detergent. I paused in the doorway, fighting the urge to call out for my mom again.
Aunt Karen met me inside, already moving fast. She held out lemon bars with a tight smile.
« Your mom’s favorites. Try one, will you? »
« Are you coming in, Nadia? »
« I’m not hungry, » I mumbled, but took one anyway, just to keep her from worrying. Her eyes flicked to the mug in the sink. She started stacking containers.
« You slept at all? » she asked, peering at me over her glasses.
I shrugged, rubbing my forehead. « It’s all a blur. I keep thinking I’ll hear her singing in the kitchen or the bathroom. »
