Page 14 of Manic

Disappointment flashes across Tindra's face, and my heart clenches.

I hate seeing her upset, but I can't neglect my responsibilities. "Hey," I say, softening my tone, "if you want,you can come with me and work in the kitchen. Maybe prep some sandwiches?"

Tindra's eyes light up, a smile tugging at her lips. "Really? That'd be cool!" Then, her expression turns thoughtful. "When can I help with the customers?"

I can't help but laugh, though there's an edge to it. "Not until you're at least eighteen, kiddo. I'm not having grown-ass men sexualizing my barely teenage daughter."

"Mom," Tindra rolls her eyes, "not everyone will sexualize me."

I ruffle her hair, my protective instincts flaring. "There are some things you're a little too chill about, kiddo." I think to myself, 'If only you knew what I've seen, what I've been through. I'd give anything to keep you this innocent forever.'

But I push those dark thoughts aside, focusing on the present. "Come on," I say, gesturing to the boxes scattered around us. "Let's get this place set up. Our new life starts now."

Tindra and I stay busy for the next hour until the movers come and tell us they’re pretty much done.

The front door clicks shut behind the last one as they exit, and I exhale deeply, surveying our new living room.

Boxes are stacked randomly, creating a cardboard maze.

I run my fingers through my ashy blonde hair, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in.

"Mom?" Tindra's voice breaks through my reverie. "Can we order pizza? I'm starving."

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "Sounds perfect, sweetheart. Why don't you find the box with the TV stuff while I call it in?"

As I dial the local pizza place, my mind wanders to Tor.

I wonder if he knows I'm back in town.

The thought sends a shiver down my spine, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"Hey, Mom!" Tindra's excited voice pulls me back. "I found the router. Can we set up the internet and watch a movie tonight?"

I finish placing our order and turn to her, warmth blooming in my chest at her enthusiasm. "Absolutely. Let's get this place feeling like home."

An hour later, we're sprawled on the couch, the smell of pepperoni and cheese filling the air.

The TV flickers with the opening credits of some action movie Tindra picked.

"This is nice," I murmur, pulling her close.

She nestles against me, and I can't help but think how different this is from the life I left behind.

No danger, no drama… at least not for now.

Just me and my girl.

As the movie progresses, my eyelids grow heavy.

I fight to stay awake, but the stress of the move and the comfort of this moment are too much.

The last thing I remember is Tindra's steady breathing beside me as we both drift off, safe in our new home.

***

The scent of freshly ground coffee beans fills my nostrils as I step into Beans & Babes, our newest location in Tallahassee.

It's early morning, and the soft pink glow of the ambient lighting casts a warm hue over the rustic wooden furniture.