Chapter 182

• Mom drove slowly through the heart of town, finally turning into a quiet residential neighborhood. Every house looked nearly identical—small, square-shaped
• homes lined up neatly, a practical solution to fit as many families as possible in the limited space.
• “It’s not as big as our old place,” Mom said with a sheepish grin, glancing at me as if seeking reassurance. “But it’s the best I could get on short notice. The landlord knew my dad.”