Chapter 120

Violet

In the last two months, things have settled down. I'm in a routine that I can live with. One that allows me to feel safe but also stretches the boundaries of what makes me feel comfortable. The only thing I would change would be my living situation. I hate being out in the middle of nowhere and wish I could afford to move closer town.

I'm wiping down the counter, waiting for The Café to open when Caleb drags himself through the front door. "Morning." I give him a smile.

He gives me a look, scrunching up his nose. "It should be illegal to be getting up this early, especially to be in a good mood about it."

"When you've been through things I've been through, you're glad to be able to wake up in the morning. You're thankful for it."

He raises an eyebrow. "I guess."

"C'mon back here." Ernie motions to the younger boy. "I already got enough dishes for you to run a sink full."

He sighs but puts on an apron and gets to work. It's a Saturday, I guess I can understand why h