Sebastian arrived at the police station with a pounding headache and a stomach that churned every time he blinked. The fluorescent lights made everything worse—too bright, too sharp, too unforgiving.
He found his mother sitting on a bench in the holding area, arms crossed, looking irritated rather than ashamed.
“About time,” she snapped. “I’ve been waiting for hours.”
Sebastian rubbed his temples. “Mom… what happened?”
“What do you think happened?” she scoffed. “I was at the casino. I was winning. Then I wasn’t. And then they accused me of not paying my tab.”
“Because you didn’t,” he said, voice strained.
She waved a hand. “It’s not a big deal. You’ll pay it.”
Sebastian closed his eyes. “Mom, you can’t keep doing this.”
“Oh, stop lecturing me,” she said. “Just get me out of here.”
