She gazes into my eyes and then nods. I don’t even realize when she brings the plastic cup of bubble tea between us and nudges my lips with the straw.

I take a small sip and immediately groan. “Why the fuck is it so sweet? I hate it.”

“It’s mango. It’s meant to be sweet.” She giggles. “How can you hate something so sweet?”

“I have you and your sweetness. I don’t need anything else.” I pull her closer, and if she wasn’t holding the half-filled cup, I would have done much more in this deserted parking lot next to the bubble tea shop.

We finally get off the highway and pass the sign of Spring Falls, the place where my mother was born, where I had some sort of normal childhood with my grandparents, and where they all rest in peace now.

Autumn’s arms tighten around me, and I know she’s recognized the name. Instead of stopping at my regular flower shop like I do every time I’m here, I drive past the market square and take the streets toward my grandparents’ house.

Autumn doesn’t say anything as I hang our helmets on the handlebars and open the gate.

The yard isn’t as unkempt as it might be for a place that hasn’t been inhabited for years, and that’s because I pay someone to clean the house once a month. But as expected, there are no signs of life.

I unlock the door and, holding Autumn’s hand, lead her inside, giving her a glimpse of my past. We enter the living room before taking the stairs to the second floor. My hands graze over the wooden banister, sending a chill down my spine.

I open the door to my room, and the pink walls greet us with open arms. There’s a thin layer of fresh dust, and I use the sleeves of my jacket to wipe it off the dresser.

“The cleaning company isn’t due for the next two days.”

When Autumn doesn’t reply, I glance at her as she stares at the pictures on the wall.

“That’s you and your mom?” She points toward the framed photo of me in Mom’s lap as she shows me some toy. I couldn’t be more than two years old and don’t remember anything about the toy, but my mother’s smile will forever be etched in my heart.

“Yes. My grandparents brought some of Mom’s stuff with them when they found me. This was her room and then mine. For some reason, I always feel closer to her here than anywhere else.”

“She was beautiful.” Autumn’s arms curl around my waist. “Thank you so much for bringing me to her.”