Chapter 91

• [ZARINA]
• When I walk out of the restaurant with my new family, Vladimir is not where I left him. The spot where he parked his car is empty. I won’t lie. I was hoping to see him one last time. Now that I know a few things about my family—something which is more than I ever knew—it’s not complicated to understand his reasons for not staying. And as much as I respect his thoughtfulness, I wish he stayed longer.
• A hand on my shoulder wakes me from my stupor. My gaze shifts from the road across to the owner of the hand. My mother.