Page 73 of Amnesty

“Thank you.”

After I plucked the second black coffee out of the tray, I took the hot chocolate out and carried it over to Am. “How’d you know she’d pick coffee?” I whispered when I handed it over.

“I didn’t,” she said simply.

She would have handed over the drink I knew she got for herself if that’s what Sadie had chosen.

“What’s in the box?” Sadie asked, pulling me around.

“Monkey bread muffins,” Amnesia said. “I’ve never tasted anything better.”

“Joline is still the best baker in Lake Loch?” Sadie asked, stirring the add-ins into her coffee.

“Of course,” I replied. “That woman can outbake anyone.”

“Is everyone else still here in town?” Sadie asked timidly. “Has anyone else passed?”

My heart clenched. “We’ve had a few people move to town, a few people move away. Most everyone is still around, though.”

“Except my parents,” she murmured.

I cleared my throat.

“I’m so sorry to hear about them,” Amnesia offered, moving closer to the bed. “I’m sure they loved you very much.”

“I loved them,” Sadie replied, her voice sad.

I pulled the chair close and gestured for Am to sit down.

“What about you, Eddie?” Sadie asked.

“I’m good,” I said, sipping the coffee.

“Sit,” Sadie patted the bed.

Instead of making everything more freaking awkward than it was, I sat on the end of the bed, leaving my feet on the floor.

“You must be starving,” Amnesia said, setting aside her cup and picking up the box to offer Sadie a muffin.

Sadie glanced at the food, then away. “Actually, I really don’t have much of an appetite.”

Amnesia nodded, sympathetic. “I can understand that.” She started to put the box back.

“What about me?” I complained.

She laughed, the sound like the sun peeking out on a cloudy day. “Here,” she said handing me the box.

I snatched one up and took a huge bite off the top.

Amnesia laughed again.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her face. She looked better this morning. Not as haggard. She was still obviously tired, and worry lined her eyes, but at least she didn’t appear on the verge of falling.

“Bite?” I asked and shoved the muffin in her face.

Smiling, she plucked a piece off the top. It was extra gooey with icing—those were her favorite bites—and delicately put it between her lips.

“You take such girl bites,” I told her and shoved more in my face.

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