Chapter 96 Ninety-five

• The bed dips with the new weight, Ma’s subtle fragrance announces her presence before she coughs. I turn my face to the wall, pretending to be fast asleep. It is only a matter of time until she figures out my little lie and I don’t want to view her disappointment.
• “Are you done?” she asks, referring to the makeover I started in my room. It remained unchanged since I married but the need to keep busy led me to repaint. I can’t be idle.
• My eyes squeeze shut as her fingers weave into my scalp, I reply, “Not yet.” Half of the bathroom wall is coated in paint, I needed a short break. “But I should be done today.”