“There’s a thick pair of socks under the flannel shirt. The flannel is my mom’s. I don’t think she’ll mind though. She’s the most generous person I know.” Tears shimmered in her eyes, and she pulled in a sharp breath. “She’s going to be so mad that she wasn’t here. She likes your music too.”

“Where is she, Katelyn?” I asked quietly, apprehension causing me to go still.

“Vegas. She’s a teacher and she was invited to an aspiring educators conference.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “She was excited, but nervous. She’s never traveled much at all…and then this. We don’t even know if she’s okay.”

“Oh my God.” I set the pile of clothes down and brought my hand to my forehead. “But she wasn’t on a plane. Just at the conference?”

“Yes. She was at her hotel. My dad had just talked to her before the lights went off. He says maybe the power isn’t even out there. He says maybe she’s on her way home right now.” Katelyn swiped at her eyes. “My dad’s thrown himself into his job protecting the town. I think it’s keeping him sane. Along with Brent and everything else, it’s been a lot.” She sniffled. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe Nova walks into my home, and I start crying like a baby about my mom.”

“Your reaction is totally normal. But you have to keep believing she’s okay. I’m doing the same with my mom too. They’re okay. They are.”

Katelyn nodded. “They are. And you’ll be okay too. It’s going to be hard but you’re Nova. You can do anything.”

I nodded and then I stepped forward and wrapped Katelyn in my arms and she hugged me back. “Everything feels so uncertain right now. But we’re going to be okay. And when this is over, I’m going to send you front row tickets to my concert.”

She let out a soggy laugh. “Okay. I’m going to start planning my outfit now.”

I smiled. And something about the offering of comfort to a girl who was younger than me, comforted me as well and boosted my confidence. Tuck was cool under pressure. He was strong and he knew things. And Charlie cared about me. But I wasn’t totally useless the way I’d thought of myself earlier. I could “adult” now and again if it was necessary. I’d become Nova. I’d risen from virtually nothing. And I was going to cling to the fact that though I was scared, I would face this challenge with grace. And I’d be proud of myself when I looked back on this traumatic time.