Chapter 42

• The next morning, Ashley and Nicole were busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, making their stomachs growl with anticipation.
• Just as they were about to sit down to eat, they heard the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs. Their mom, Karen, walked into the kitchen, looking a bit surprised to see Nicole standing there.
• Karen's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Nicole. "When did you get here, sweetie?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "And is everything okay? Ashley showed up a few days ago out of the blue, and now you're here too. What's going on in your lives?"