#Chapter 118: Sake, to Erase

Between the kids and Julia, I’m dogpiled in hugs. Everyone is brimming with a thousand questions for me - especially Julia. "What the fuck, Ardal," she hisses, the moment the kids' backs are turned. “Kadeem knows?” My cheeks get hot and I break into a lopsided smile. "I’ll tell you everything, I promise." She arches her eyebrow suspiciously - which, is fair - given that I haven’t been the most forthcoming lately. Soon, she’s on to me about the Spartan food pantry. “If you needed help with things - especially food - you should have told me!” “I don’t need help.” I snag a box of mac and cheese Hannah undoubtedly bought while I was gone. “Look - food!” She glares at me before ordering sushi for the two of us and chicken fried noodles and pork dumplings for the kids. While we wait for the food to arrive, I indulge in a much-needed shower and feel some measure of relief at finally washing off the hospital grunge. As I inhale the steam, a pang lodges itself in my heart. shoul