Nevara
I heard the knock before the guard even radioed in, and my heart jumped. I was already halfway down the stairs when Michelle called out, “They just passed the gate—”
“I know,” I called over my shoulder, my feet flying over the last steps. The closer I got, the faster I moved. By the time the front door swung open, I was practically running.
“Mom!”
She barely got her arms open in time before I slammed into her.
“Oh, honey,” she whispered, clutching me tight. “You look so good. So happy.”
I felt her breath catch and pulled back just enough to see her face. Her eyes were glassy, her smile trembling.
“Your brother would be so proud of you.”
A lump formed in my throat. “I miss Nico too, Mom.”
“I know, sweetheart.” She kissed my forehead and smoothed my hair like she used to when
