20. RETURN

~ Violet ~ “Mom?” Violet said as she stepped into the apartment. “I’m home!” She didn’t have to wait too long before her mom came running out. Barbara looked so excited to see her daughter. She came with both her hands up in the air and she pulled Violet into a big hug. “Baby, you’re back!” she squealed and rocked Violet’s body back and forth. Violet couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve missed you so much!” “Me too,” Violet replied and buried her face into her mom’s chest. She had been waiting for so long to see her mom again. Her heart felt so full and she pulled away to get a better look at her mom. “How are you, mom?” “I’m good, sweetie. Dylan’s staying around the house a lot more often now while you’re out on your trip. I wish he’d leave me alone, to be honest. I’m fine,” her mom laughed and waved her hand carelessly in the air. “My trip?” Violet asked. “Dylan said you went on a graduation trip with some of your friends from school? You guys went to Vermont?” Violet’s mouth formed an ‘O’