42. The Plan Of Running Away

I got back into the car after witnessing the remains of my flower shop, my heart pounding in my chest. The flower shop was all I had, and now it was gone, reduced to ashes. I didn’t know where to start or what to do next.

When I returned home, Brenda and Kelly were sitting on the couch. Brenda had a worried look on her face, even though she was clearly trying to hide it. When Kelly saw me, she rushed over, hugging my legs tightly.

“Mommy, I'm happy we're going to the shop,” she said cheerfully. “I get to help you at your flower shop!”

Brenda and I exchanged a look, both of us wondering how we were going to tell Kelly that there wasn’t a flower shop anymore. The thought of breaking her heart made mine ache.

I knelt down to her level, trying to keep my voice steady. “Bab, listen to Mommy for a moment.” I paused, searching for the right words, but I knew I couldn’t lie to her. She deserved the truth. “Mommy’s shop... it caught fire last night. We won’t be able to go back there for now an