Chapter 42

• MEREDITH:
• Conversations had drowned each other. Zara, a vibrant woman who dragged me around to partake in every little talk, made my presence feel appreciated. Separating from Miles was a bit difficult because I didn't want what we said to come out differently. It was an impossible task to keep the chattering light and my answers shallow. The more I tried to avoid those straight questions like, “how did you meet him? What is he like? What is his favorite this and that?” the more it came.
• Successfully, it was time for Zara to cut her cake and unwrap her presents. Thank goodness I wasn't faced with the question of what we got her because I had no idea what was in those boxes. Although I did get her a small gift, which she was appreciative of. The woman made me feel the warmth of a mother, and I enjoyed being around her.