Chapter 13

Exactly as expected, Mary kicked us out. Ella followed behind me quietly as we walked toward the door. I was just about to say something to comfort her when suddenly Thomas came rushing up behind us, waving his arms and shouting, “Ella! Hold up!” “What now?” Ella stopped with a sigh, her voice heavy with emotion. Her light brown eyes shimmered under the sunlight, full of hurt and sadness. I froze for a second, watching her heartbroken expression. I didn’t interrupt—this was between her and her brother. Thomas slowed down and awkwardly came to a stop in front of her. He hesitated, then gave a stiff shrug. “I told Mom earlier… I told her you guys were coming.” Ella didn’t react much. Her face was still the same mix of pain and disappointment, and she stayed quiet for a good while. Then she forced a small smile and said softly, “This isn’t on you, Thomas.” He shifted back and forth on his feet, scratching his head like he had more to say but didn’t know how. He shuffled closer to her—kind