Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Two
Asli shut the door behind her with more force than necessary.
The house was quiet in that deceptive way. She walked gently, every muscle in her body screaming for rest, and turned toward her bedroom.
She stopped short.
Matilda was sitting cross-legged on her bed, phone discarded beside her, eyes too alert for the hour.
Asli narrowed her gaze. "Why aren't you asleep?"
Matilda shifted, clearly bracing herself. "How is Josephine living with us now?"
Asli closed her eyes for a brief second. Just one. Her head throbbed.
"Matilda," she said flatly, walking past her to drop her jacket on the chair, "I'll explain later. I'm too tired. I need to rest."
Before Matilda could argue, a knock sounded at the door.
Soft. Hesitant.
Matilda slid off the bed and padded over, opening it just enough to peek out. Her expression changed instantly.
Josephine stood there.
