She hated everything about them, and she hated every single memory they evoked. They were the one thing in the world that could constantly remind her of her inadequacy. They made her think of a mother that never hugged her, and they made her think of a father that never wanted a girl in the first place. Her childhood, before leaving home, was a vision of her mom bent over the flower garden, avoidance in the dirt and leaves.
It was a deliberate choice.
She looked up when the bells on the door jingled, and not because she expected it to be her sister, but because Brandon had increased her vigilance threefold, and she felt the need to memorize every face that walked in. Once Corvus started working, she hoped that would be less stressful. He might be a loose canon, but he was a loose canon that was always on her side, and that was all she needed from him.
She looked up when Ella spoke, and her gaze stuck for just a few seconds before she decided to be practical. She pointed to the second register, unused, and lifted a brow.]
Amanda. [Called out, and she smiled over at Be- Elizabeth when Amanda looked up. She was so big, and Max didn't expect to see any recognition in the little girl's eyes. She motioned to where Amanda was.] Want to go help her?