“Ten minutes,” I said, still doing the math.
There would be three plates, and maybe something for lunch tomorrow.
He glanced at the clock, his brow tightening. “Sam’s done with her homework?”
“I haven’t checked. She’s been quiet, so I’m guessing algebra is winning.”
“Or TikTok,” he said with a grin.
I was about to call everyone to the table when Sam rushed in, followed by a girl I’d never seen before. The girl’s hair was tied in a messy ponytail, hoodie sleeves hanging past her fingertips despite the late-spring heat.
Sam didn’t wait for me to speak. “Mom, Lizie’s eating with us.”
She said it like it wasn’t up for discussion.
I blinked, knife still in my hand. Dan looked from me to the girl and back.
The girl kept her eyes on the floor. Her sneakers were worn, and she held onto the straps of a faded purple backpack. I could see her ribs through the thin fabric of her shirt. She looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.
“Uh, hi there.” I tried to sound welcoming, but it came out thin. “Grab a plate, sweetheart.”
She hesitated. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely reaching across the table.
I watched her. She didn’t just eat—she rationed. One careful scoop of rice, one piece of chicken, two carrots. She flinched at every clink of silverware or scrape of a chair, tense like a startled animal.
Dan cleared his throat, stepping into peacemaker mode. “So, Lizie, right? How long have you known Sam?”
She shrugged, still looking down. “Since last year.”
Don't Miss The Rest! Press Next Button Below To Continue Reading.
