Page 1 of The Substitute

Prologue

Maya

“It’s so good to have you home,” Mom says with a smile as we sit on the back deck of my childhood home overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s a beautiful spring day, with a big blue sky and calm waters. I might have to take my paddleboard out this afternoon to enjoy it. “I’m so proud of you for traveling and seeing so many amazing things, but a mother wants her children close whenever possible.”

“I’m happy to be home,” I admit and lean over to rest my head on Mom’s shoulder, enjoying being here with her. “You’ve been feeling okay?”

My mom has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, but she’s doing much better than she was even a year ago. There was a time when I had to live here with my parents to make sure she didn’t hurt herself.

Now, with the help of medications, she’s been able to go back to a somewhat normal life.

At least, that’s what she and Dad have told me.

“Like I said every time you called from Europe, I’m just fine, honey.” She kisses my brow, and I raise my head to reach for my mug.

“It’s easy to say that to me when I’m six thousand miles away.” I sip my coffee and watch Mom as she frowns into her cup. “You can be honest with me.”

“I really am doing much better than before we switched medications, Maya. Of course, there are a few days every now and then when I’m reminded that I’m dealing with a monster of a disease. But I have no complaints.” She smiles reassuringly. “Now, tell me everything about Europe. I want to know how you spent each minute. It sounded like you were having such a wonderful experience.”

“I did.” I sigh in contentment and look out over the water. I’d just spent the better part of six months traveling around Europe. It was the adventure of a lifetime. “I think Ireland was my favorite, but Norway was a close second.”

For the next hour, I regale my mom with countless stories of old hotels and inns, ruins, food, and museums.

By the time I’m finished, we’re in the kitchen fixing breakfast and laughing as my dad comes in to join us.

“I like this sound,” he says with a wink, leaning in to kiss Mom’s cheek before turning to me and doing the same. “How are my girls this morning?”

“Maya was just telling me stories from her travels.”

“I want to hear about it, too,” Dad says. “But first, I need to get to the hospital. I have a valve replacement this morning.”

Even in his sixties, Dad shows no signs of slowing down in his cardiothoracic surgery career.

“Okay. I’ll tell you everything later over dinner. I’m making enchiladas.”

“When do you head to Seattle?” he asks, sipping from a fresh mug of coffee.

I bite my lip and sit on a stool at the island. “About that. Maybe I shouldn’t move to Seattle. You guys could use me here, and—”

“You’re moving,” Mom says, using a tone that says she won’t hear any arguments. “You do not need to be here saddled with me. I’m fine.”

“She is,” Dad agrees. “She’s doing great, and we want you to go to Seattle to live your life. You’re young. Go have fun.”

I really do want to go to the Emerald City, where both my siblings are with their spouses. And I have a whole new circle of friends there. Plus, it’s fun. There’s so much to see and do.

Of course, I don’t have a job yet, but that’ll come with time. At least I know I have a place to live.

“Are you sure?”

“Completely,” Mom assures me.

“Well, then, I’ll probably drive out there next week.” Maybe. I’m still not entirely sure it’s the right thing to do. But Mom does look and sound so much better than she did before, and I really do want to go to Seattle. I’ll just keep a watchful eye for the next few days to make sure everything is as it should be before I go.

“Good. I have time to hear about Europe.” Dad sets his mug in the sink and grabs his wallet and keys. “See you this afternoon.”

“Bye, Dad.”

Once he’s gone, Mom turns to me with that mom look in her eyes.

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