“You’re amazing, Hannah. Both of these are.” She gestures to both pages. “I shouldn’t be surprised about the building, because of the architecture aspect of it all. But I had no idea you could draw like this. I mean, you could probably sell portraits.”

Hannah laughs, definitely embarrassed. But also pleased, a flush working over her cheeks as she shakes her head as she keeps her eyes on the drawing of her daughter. “No, I couldn’t. I have other drawings, just of random people sometimes. And they’re – they’re fine. But when I draw Abbie it’s something… else.” She reaches out and traces a light finger over the outline of Abbie’s cheek.

It’s love, Caroline thinks. She’d be willing to bet a large sum that Hannah’s drawings of other people are far better than fine. But it’s the love she has for her daughter that gives utter life to the image, she’s sure of it.

It’s after midnight when she leaves. They watch all three movies in the Annabelle franchise because in a kismet surprise twist, she hadn’t known Hannah also loves horror movies. They split Indian takeout and she wears that extra pair of sweatpants from Hannah that do squeeze her hips a bit more than they do Hannah’s, but they’re incredibly soft and comfortable.

She doesn’t think she’s ever had a better Friday night.

***

Caroline – 12:00PM
What are you doing today?

Hannah – 12:02PM
Just got back from breakfast with Robyn.
So probably meal prepping for the week.
Cleaning. Waiting for Abbie to come home
tomorrow.

Hannah – 12:02PM

I live for the adventure and spontaneity.

Caroline – 12:03PM
If you want some spontaneity, come
outside.

She lives for the look on Hannah’s face when she actually does come outside. The surprise and the bright, excited smile stealing over her face and making her look incredibly luminous in the spring air. The day is perfect for her plan and Hannah is, too, in a pair of skinny jeans and a green shirt that somehow made her eyes even more intense.

“What are you doing here?”

Caroline parks and locks her RAV4. “We’re going to take the T – far too many destinations to get stopped in traffic today.”

“I have… cooking and cleaning and – I never really have a day off without Abbie to get these things done.” Hannah bites her lip, clearly torn.

Caroline tilts her head and gives her a knowing look. “And you’re going to sit in the empty apartment and feel lonely. Not on my watch.”

“I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me. Here I am, taking up all of your time on both a Friday and Saturday night…” She trails off, shaking her head.