Things had been depressing around the house since her mom’s doctor told them she’d soon be permanently bedridden. Multiple sclerosis, especially the type her mom had, was a scary illness. Rose Lawson had no chance of improvement, only a certainty that things would get progressively worse.

Sophie checked her watch. She was supposed to meet Aiden at his house when he got off work in fifteen minutes. He had some kind of big news. And boy, did she have news of her own. But she didn’t want to leave Mama alone.

She sent Aiden a text asking him to come here instead.

He responded quickly. I guess we can talk on the porch.

She frowned at the message, her stomach tightening at the way he’d phrased it. Their relationship had been a little strained since their argument last week when she canceled yet another date to take care of her mother. Sometimes he didn’t understand the weight of her responsibilities. He’d blown the situation all out of proportion.

A knock sounded on her bedroom door, and Sophie blinked back tears before she opened it. Jenna looked paler than usual, her blue eyes watery and bloodshot. Tears streaked her carefully applied makeup.

Upon sight of her sister’s distress, Sophie wanted to burst into tears herself. But she had to be strong for her sister. She could fall apart later, in Aiden’s arms.

She ushered Jenna into the room and closed the door behind her. She didn’t want their mother to overhear. She was napping on the couch and had enough stress of her own right now.

“How could he do this to us?” Jenna whispered.

Sophie led her to the bed, where they sat down. Their dad had been gone when they’d gotten home from school, and he’d taken all his belongings with him. Even now Sophie could hardly comprehend the magnitude of his betrayal. “I don’t know. I mean, he’s been a little distant lately but—”

“And short-tempered with Mama.”

“Still . . . I never dreamed he’d abandon her like this.”

“Abandon all of us.” Jenna looked up at Sophie, eyes awash in fresh tears. “It really hurts that he’d do that to us. Just leave us like he doesn’t love us. Like we don’t need him anymore!”

Sophie had a fist-size ache in her chest. She wished Seth were here to participate in this conversation, but he’d reacted to the news with anger. Just taken off in his old Mustang, and they hadn’t heard from him since. Maybe he’d burn off his anger. Mom didn’t need that right now.

“What are we going to do?” Jenna whispered. “She’s going to be bedridden soon, and we’re still in school. Who’s going to take care of her? We can’t afford home care. Especially not now.”