Chapter 203: One Last Push

I wasn't allowed to sit in on the conversation with Mia's adopted dad and, quite frankly, I didn't want to. My stomach ached in fear for her mother. It had been a full day since she'd been here, asking about Mia. She'd been missing ever since. And while I didn't know her all that well, I still liked her. Her obvious love for her daughter was clear every time we talked.

Instead I sat at the top of the stairs with Sassafras in my lap and Galleytrot lying beside me as I told them everything.

Jerry Hammond didn't stay long. I returned to the kitchen with Sassy in my arms, Galleytrot padding along beside me, the moment I heard his engine start and his car peel away. I found Dad hugging Mom, his cheek pressed to her forehead. They spotted me at the same time and both opened their hug to include me.

I'm not ashamed to say I needed it just then. I set Sassy on the table and went to them.

"Mom," I said softly into her hair, her familiar smell of lilacs making me want to cry, "can we help hi