Abandon

Grace

The next morning, I come out of my room, wearing another one of a grey pencil skirt and a white blouse sent by Alma. But, it fits me well now, instead of being painfully tight.

Lost in my own thoughts, I walk down the stairs only to see Alma standing at the end of them, staring up at me.

“ Grace. ” Alma calls me out and nods. “ I heard about your sister on the news. ”

My body freezes on the second last stair as I look at her. Her eyes are soft, but there is a lingering wariness in them, which became a part of them after she realized that I am Grace Whitlock.

“ I— ”

“ I didn’t know they had done something like this to you before. Is that why you are staying with us? ” She interrupts me as if she can’t bother to hear what I have to say to her.

My cheeks heat up. “ Uh—Yes, Alma. But as I said, it’s only temporary and— ”

“ I don’t mind, Grace. This house is big enough for us to not cross paths even if we stay under the same roof. ” She cuts me again.

I press my lips in a thin line a