Chapter 306

• I tidy up and make breakfast for us in the morning light, with scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee. I smile as Sophie wanders through, already dressed in a hoody, jeans, and sneakers, her hair in a boyish ponytail. She’s an early riser like me.
• She sits awkwardly at the table as though she feels like she should be helping, but I brush it away with a warm, beaming smile and put her plate and mug in front of her. I genuinely like the girl, even after a brief time; there’s something about her. I sit down to face her and let her eat for a few minutes as I only pick at mine. My appetite is gone knowing we’ll see my mother this morning, and teenage anxiety is in full force.
• “So, Sophie, tell me about you. How did you end up here in West Englewood?” I keep my tone bright and easy, knowing if she’s as guarded a person as I am, she will never open up if I don’t tread carefully. She hesitates.