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“Mom, wait.”

She turned, the backpack she wore shifting with her.

“You’re leaving? Tomorrow is the Fourth.” I walked down the stairs to join her so we didn’t wake the whole commune.

“I left some instructions on how to get to the fireworks show. And I should be home by the time it’s over.”

“Where are you going?”

“A friend is doing this exploration hike that I’ve wanted to do forever. I’ll be collecting rocks for my shop. Maybe some crystals if I’m lucky.”

“An exploration hike?” I sighed out the disappointment I thought I’d let go of years ago. “Zoey came here to see you. Don’t do this.”

“It’s not a big deal, Bird. I’ll be gone less than twenty-four hours.”

I crossed my arms and backed away. “Remember this moment, because this is the one you’re going to lose her.”

She laughed that annoying chirpy laugh of hers. “You’re so dramatic, honey. Are you a teenager or a forty-year-old?”

“Which are you?”

“I’m not boring, that’s what I am,” she said with another laugh. “You learned this from your father.”

“Being a responsible parent isn’t boring.”

“You and your guilt trips. Even at ten you were good at them. I can’t handle your judgmental nature. It’s twenty-four hours. Grow up.” With that, she got in the car and drove away into the night.

I stared after her, sure I was supposed to feel something—betrayal, hurt, anger. But really, all I felt was numb. Until I thought of Zoey. She was not numb. Far from it. This would hurt her, and that made me sad.

I tossed and turned the rest of the night, not wanting to wake Zoey but unable to sleep. The second the rising sun turned the windows gray, I got out of bed, shrugged on a hoodie, and went outside. Maybe I was hoping it was all a dream. Or that I’d see my mom’s car out there, proving that she’d changed her mind. It wasn’t.

A mist hung in the trees as I walked, and dewy moisture clung to every green surface around me. My phone said it was six-fifteen. Too early to call anyone. A thought crept into my brain. Maybe a way to save today for my sister.

Is your cousin still taking you to a fourth of July party? What time and where?

I was surprised when Chad texted back almost immediately.Yes

Can my sister come too?

Of course. Do you want me to pick you up?

No, we have a car

Cool. I’ll text you the address. It starts at four. Swimming andBBQ

You’re up early,I responded.

So are you

Yeah, well, my mom had walked out on me for the second time. “How’s that for drama, Mom?” I muttered under my breath.

See you later,I texted.

I took a lap around the compound and by the time I got back to the bus it was around seven and Zoey was awake. Reading Mom’s note.

“She left?”

How was I going to play this off? I really wanted my sister to join me on this side of never trusting Mom again, but I also knewshe had to cross that line on her own. She had to see it. I couldn’t force her to.