I woke up today with a sharp, painful headache. I don’t remember Jeff’s party. I only remember bright lights, loud music, and compassionate kisses. I don’t even remember how I got home. All I remember was Rod. I smiled softly.

I slid out of bed, my bare feet touching the cold floor. I shivered, my arms wrapping instinctively around my body. I walked over to my hanger and pulled on my bathrobe. My day old clothes were strewn about the floor, and I dumped them down my laundry shoot.

I went downstairs to grab some breakfast of OJ and two pieces of toast with marmalade on one, strawberry jam on the other. I threw them on a small plate and carried it and my glass back upstairs, still half asleep, my headache still cutting into me. I thought about going back to sleep, because it was earlier than I’d ever gotten up: 7:30, and Mimi wouldn’t be up until 11. Mom was already gone to work.