I went back inside, locked up, pulled out my phone, and texted Jill.
Mom showed up outside my house tonight. Cops handled it. I’m fine.
Her response came immediately.
Need me to come over?
I smiled and typed back, No, I’m good. Really good.
Then I sat on my couch and thought about the kid I was at 16, carrying my whole life in two duffel bags.
I built everything myself.
Jill and my grandparents were the only ones who showed up.
I was good.
