“Yeah mom, I know,” I said, rolling my eyes just enough to sell the teenage attitude she expected.
Mom sighed, already halfway out the door, keys jingling in her hand. She was in her scrubs, hair pulled back in a tired ponytail, smelling faintly of hospital antiseptic like always. “I’ll be back in the morning. I’m dropping Carmichael off at Tyler’s on my way to work, so don’t burn the house down while I’m gone, okay?”
Carmichael was already bouncing by the front door, backpack slung over one shoulder, grinning like he’d won the lottery. “I’m gonna play Fortnite all night!” he announced for the tenth time.
I forced a smile. “Yeah, yeah, have fun, gremlin.”
Mom gave me a quick hug, kissed the top of Carmichael’s head, then turned to Carmen.
She leaned up and kissed him, quick, routine,
