But Ashley knew anyway. She and Robert insisted Tula move in, making space in their already full lives. Emily painted a sign for her door that read “Nana’s Room” in crooked letters. Tula settled into their three-bedroom apartment with quiet grace, always aware of the effort her presence required.
Now, in the hush of the morning, she pressed a hand to her side and exhaled slowly. Whatever this was, it couldn’t be what she feared. She wouldn’t let it be. Ashley was sleeping. Emily was at school. Tula couldn’t afford to become the center of another storm.