Chapter 18

Boom! Boom! A clap of thunder tore through the sky, jolting Emilia awake. She glanced at the clock—already past seven—and yet it was pitch black outside. Rain lashed against the windows like a temper tantrum. Her mom mumbled something from the bed, clearly not a fan of the noise. After freshening up and getting dressed, Emilia headed out to grab breakfast. The weather was awful, and the ride might be running late. She figured she’d get some food first so her mom and Ethan could eat something warm. Rainy days meant longer lines, especially at her mom’s favorite bun stand. Emilia held her umbrella steady and waited in the growing line, rain splashing around her feet. It took nearly three times longer than usual, but she finally got the food. On her way back, her phone buzzed. It was Ethan. “You really couldn’t just order delivery?” he half-laughed, half-sighed when she told him she was out grabbing breakfast. “My mom likes the buns from this shop,” Emilia replied, gently shaking the bag