#Chapter 90: A Hard Truth

Alex talks to Michael for hours, leaving me to guess what is happening and eventually causing Rita and me to fear if something has gone wrong. Eventually, Alex returns to his parents’ house. I’m sitting at the table with his parents and with Rita, barely touching the plate of food in front of me. In fact, Mr. Hewlett is the only one who seems to have an appetite. Tala rises as Alex approaches. “Let me make you a plate,” she says before turning to walk away. “Don’t,” Alex says, causing her to stop in her tracks. She approaches him and places a hand on his shoulder, searching his face. “You need to eat something.” “I don’t have an appetite. I just need some time alone.” She lowers her hand and locks her fingers together, resolved to . “Of course. I’ll have something in the refrigerator for you when you’re ready.” I want to follow him to his room, but I don’t know if that would be appropriate, and he doesn’t ask for me. He simply walks away, followed by the sound of a door shutting