Something breaks inside me as I watch Tami standing by Ma’s photo on the memorial table, and my regrets pile up. I insisted on moving far from home, trying to run toward manhood, but all I did was take Tami away from her grandparents. She didn’t get to know Ma as much as she should…
It’s 2 am, the morning of Me-Me’s funeral, and Kai finds it impossible to sleep on the couch, in the bed, or anywhere else in the house. While wandering the upstairs hallway, he hears his granddaughter Serena whining quietly in her room. She’s the perfect distraction. Kai walks in and lifts her out of her…
It’s been a rough day for all of us. Losing Ma feels a lot like losing the ability to breathe. I keep looking around, expecting her to descend the stairs with her bright smile, asking if we’re hungry or want something to eat. Then reality sets in, and I realize I’ll never see her again….
The morning starts with bad news and worsens when Maia hears the front door quietly open, making a soft creaking sound. Maia can hear somebody moving around downstairs. She knows it’s not Dub because she just got off the phone with him as he tells her about the death of her mother-in-law. Maia isn’t a…
Melisa “Me-Me” Banks (ATC Part 13–Banks Day 55.4) was the 2nd born of the Brown family triplets. When I created the 28 Blind Dates Challenge, I knew I wanted the offspring of the resulting union to join the Banks Dynasty as my 3rd generation heir’s spouse. But who would the child be? Jalisa and Merlon…
Wade: Why does it sound like you want me to give up? Kai: That’s not what I’m saying. Nobody wants to see a family broken up. I’m saying that if you want your wife and family back, you’ll have to give up selfishness. It can’t be about you anymore. Wade: I can do that. Kai:…
Dad’s plans involve a trip to Windenburg. Initially, I thought it was to visit the Banks Art Center that Gran opened when I was just a kid, but the chosen location is more surprising. Wade: Why are you bringing us to a beauty salon? Kai: It’s not just a beauty salon, and I’m bringing you…
Maia starts her morning feeling grateful to hear the news she’s been waiting for. She’s finally received approval to open a food stand at the Manzanita Public Market. Maia smiles as she enters the kitchen; even Tami’s teenage moodiness can’t erase it from her face. Tami joins Maia at the table. Tambara: *sarcastic* Does my…
I’m back home in Henford, with my dog Hiro, where my adult life started. Maybe something here will help me get back what I’ve lost. Dad rushes outside to greet me. I can see worry lines etched into his face. I know he wants to know what sent me back here, but he doesn’t ask…
I wake up feeling good about my decision to spend some time back home in Henford. But the tough part is I need to let Tami know. Hearing about me moving out hurt her enough, but now I have to tell her I’m also going away for a few days. I shower, grab my packed…
