Chapter Twelve
I knew where my mother was going based on the jewels she wore. Pearls for charity luncheons. Diamonds for society balls. That night she wore a large ruby pendant, a necklace I’d never seen before.
Where are you going, Mama?
A party, she said absently.
Can I come?
Her laugh was a strange sound. You’re too young, Avery. And thank God for that.
When will I be old enough?
She looked at me, her eyes softening. I don’t know, but it’s nothing to rush. Stay here, sweetheart. Stay small. That’s when you’re safe. Stay safe.
She left that night and never came home.
A drunk driver hit her. She died on the way to the hospital.
Daddy told me what happened in a rough voice, eyes red from crying. My eight-year-old brain didn’t want to believe it. I searched the house for her, conv
