#Chapter 177: Look Who’s Back

Almara’s Pov Inside the diner, the place looks exactly as I left it. Except maybe a little cleaner before the crowd of the day comes in. The dining room is empty allowing The shuffling in the kitchen to seem louder than usual. “C’mon Grace.” I say quietly and hoist her up on my side. “Food. Food.” Gracie says. I nod. “That’s right. People eat here.” She’s been really good at making verbal observations lately and it’s bittersweet. Every new word she says makes my heart swell like a balloon with pride only to quickly deflate at the somber realization she’s growing more and more. I knock on Derek’s door. It’s a wooden door painted white with the word ‘office’ painted in chipping gold. “What is it?” I hear his familiar miserable voice gruff. I push open the door and Derek is seated at his desk, papers askew, with a pen in his mouth. I cough to make him aware of my appearance and he raises his eyes to take a look at what or who is before him. He more or less looks the same, maybe a