Chapter 266 Ellena

• The drive home from the camping trip was equally exhausting; the late afternoon sun was insanely hot, biting into my skin, the scent of pine and earth clinging to our clothes as we unpacked in the driveway.
• My stepdad and I did not hesitate to steal glances at each other even though he tried to act normal.
• Mom, invigorated by homely fresh air, wasted no time diving back into her emails and calls; her laptop was open on the kitchen table before I'd even set down my bag.