Soap and laundry detergent and little kid shampoo.
No street dust.
No old fries.
No cold outside air.
Just home.
“Thank you for my chicken,” Maddie whispered into Lauren’s shoulder.
Lauren shut her eyes.
“You’re welcome, baby.”
When Maddie let go, Lauren stood slowly.
Aunt Claire touched Maddie’s braid.
“We should let this nice lady rest.”
Maddie nodded, but she didn’t move right away.
She looked at Lauren as if trying to memorize her.
Then at the living room.
“Is that your mom?”
Lauren followed her gaze to the couch.
“Yes.”
“Is she sick?”
Children always knew where adults tried to hide things.
“A little.”
Maddie thought about that.
Then she said, “My mom got sick too.”
Ethan went still.
Claire’s hand pressed gently over Maddie’s shoulder.
Lauren felt the room hush itself.
“I’m sorry,” Lauren said softly.
Maddie nodded like she appreciated the honesty.
