Chapter 202
Tommy answered almost immediately, her face lighting up the screen.
"Liora! You’re looking for me?" Her voice was bright, surprised, maybe even a little hopeful. "Do you want to play with me?"
Liora had never really been nice to Tommy. Not mean, exactly, but not warm either. Still, Tommy had always liked her anyway. She thought Liora was brave and confident and just... cool. The kind of kid other kids wanted to be around.
"Mm," Liora said quietly, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Where are you?"
"At home!" Tommy said cheerfully, already turning the camera around to show her surroundings. "My grandparents came over, and we’re making cookies with Mom. You want some?"
The camera panned across the kitchen. Liora could see the table covered in flour, cookie cutters scattered everywhere, and a tray piled high with freshly baked cookies cooling on the counter.
Tommy was definitely at home.
Liora felt something loosen in her chest.
"You didn’t go watch a movie with my mom, right?" she asked, her voice small but steady.
Tommy blinked, clearly confused. "No. I haven’t seen Aunt Elodie in a long time."
That was it.
The knot in Liora’s stomach finally unraveled. She let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding.