ONE HUBDRED AND TWO

SLYVIA'S POV

As soon as Raymond left to pick up the kids from school, I knew I had to distract myself from the anxiety gnawing at me. Cooking had always been a therapeutic escape, so I decided to whip up something hearty for lunch. Pasta with sauce and meatballs—comfort food for the soul.

I gathered all the ingredients, laying them out on the kitchen counter. The familiar clatter of pots and pans felt oddly soothing. I started by making the meatballs, mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and a blend of spices. As I rolled them into perfect spheres, I let my mind drift, trying to push aside the looming court case.

Next, I heated a large skillet, adding a drizzle of olive oil. The meatballs sizzled as they hit the pan, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. While they browned, I chopped up onions, garlic, and tomatoes for the sauce. The rhythmic chopping was almost meditative, helping me focus on the task at hand rather than my worries.

Once the meatballs were don