Anika:
My heart flutters with excitement as I pack Isabel’s school bags, carefully tucking her food into the lunchbox like it’s made of gold.
She’s going to be so excited.
I just know it. Probably already bouncing on her toes in front of the mirror, rehearsing her little wave goodbye.
As I set both bags down and turn to check on her, I freeze—
Someone’s standing there. My heart stutters hard in my chest, and I instinctively step back, hand flying to my chest like that’ll stop the thudding.
But then I catch her face.
“What the hell, Grandma! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” I exhale, half-laughing, half-winded. “Have you been standing there this whole time?”
She lifts a brow. “What do you think?”
“I think you should stop lurking around like some horror movie side character. My
