“Well,” she said softly, “you are.”
Later—after the food arrived, after the waffle was devoured, after Elara stole a piece of bacon and Mina pretended to be annoyed—they walked back to the car. The sky had cleared. Stars pricked the darkness like tiny promises.
“Home,” Mina said softly. “Or close to it. We’re at the rest stop on Route 29. The one with the 24-hour Waffle House.” Loving ladies 2024 01 16 -- 00-33-1226-04 Min
“Always,” Mina said again.
Mina smiled, eyes on the road. “It’s just a day.” “Well,” she said softly, “you are
“Hey yourself.”
Mina’s eyes stung. She blinked it away. “Home,” Mina said softly
The timestamp glowed faintly on the dashboard of Mina’s old Subaru: .
She killed the engine. The quiet of the rural Virginia night rushed in—crickets, the distant creak of a wind-beaten oak, and the soft, steady breathing of the woman asleep in the passenger seat.
“Come on,” Mina said, squeezing Elara’s hand and letting go. “Let’s get you some carbs.”