#Chapter 94: The Truth Comes Out

The ring of the doorbell startles me, rattling my nerves even though I’m the one who rang it. The chime doesn’t make it through two rounds before the door is open and Mom is gaping at us from inside. We stare at each other for a few seconds before either one of us moves, while Alex waits awkwardly behind me. I can smell fresh-baked cookies and cinnamon. Finally, Mom rushes through the door and wraps her arms around me. “Oh my god!” Her body begins shaking with sobs, and I can’t help but start crying. We stand there, holding each other and crying, for what feels like several minutes. When we finally break apart, Mom grabs my hand and pulls me in, using her other hand to wipe her face. Alex stands on the doorstep, not sure what to do. “No—come in Alex, please,” Mom says, ushering him in. Once she closes the door, Mom looks us over with a curious eye. “You two look…good.” She takes my hands again and grips them in hers. “You look…older.” She noticed! My mom doesn’t disappoint. “I