Richard

I wake up the next morning with a pounding headache and the urge to hide from Maya after last night. Unlike my father, I’m not a mean drunk, but I am a stupid one who can’t keep his mouth shut.

To make matters worse, I broke Maya’s vase and then made her clean it up afterward.

I throw a pillow over my head to muffle my frustrated groan.

You have no one to blame for your behavior but yourself.

The door to my room creaks open. I pop my head out from underneath the pillow, expecting to find Maya in the doorway.

“Hi!” Abby shouts.

My head throbs in a silent reply. “Let’s use our inside voices.”

“Sorry,” she whisper-shouts.

Close enough.“Where’s your mom?” And how do I avoid her for the rest of the day?

“Making lunch.”

Lunch already? How long did I sleep in?

“And what are…