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The housewarer sits on the counter My surprise birthday present froo ere shopping at the flea ave me a framed photo of all six of us on the beach in the Haift for Christmas Its spot on the sill now sits empty

Memories of the experiences that have shaped who I aone and hidden today I wrap my arms around myself, my throat thick when I s Myforward and not to

She’s my best cure for the blues, and I know she’s always up early, so I ”

“Good et anything I don’t knohat I’ routine I’ht I stop and sigh, the weight of worry pressing down on me “I’m scared, Mom”

“Don’t be, darling You’ll land right where you’re meant to be”

“Is that here or back in Texas? Should I have come home?”

“I’d love to have you here, but I have a feeling you’reApple these days”

I’ood,” I say, hoping I’ll believe it I don’t Not quite yet

“Change is good Look hoell you’ve been since the breakup with Steve”

Logically, I know I’m better off, but should it have been so easy to part ways? I’ve beencommentary than the absence of him

Ugh Like Rad said, he doesn’t deserve another second of ht on” He sure did “What are you doing this ?”

“Having a cup of coffee on the back porch and listening to the birds starting the day with a song”

“By looking at the ti”

“Is that apun, Mom?”

“No,” she says with a laugh I et fired advice”

I pull the string of the blinds and let the sunshine in “It’s good advice”

“Remember, Tealey, home is where the heart is You’re alelco tells est are head-on”