Chapter 26: Bonding 1.

“Are you sure you’re alright? Do you need me to stay?” I turn around at the voices and see mom and dad by the main door.

She pats his arm, letting out a nervous laugh as she shakes her head against the offer. “You don’t have to, it’s only a mild headache. Now buttercup, you have to get going before Weslee sees you” And she starts to push him out the door against his protest as I giggle at them.

Skipping over, “Did you really have to chase him out that way- mom?” Surprised to see her leaning her back tiredly against the door with a palm against her temple and eyes shutting momentarily. Studiously, I draw closer just in time with her eyes coming back open.

“Oh hey sweetie, you’re up huh? Hungry?” Even her voice is strained and her smile is sloppy. She looks…extremely exhausted.

Ignoring her questions to stretch my hand up, flattening my palm against her forehead and my other palm