Late November
The week before Thanksgiving break brought an unexpected visitor.
I was in the middle of a lab practical when my phone buzzed with a text from Kai: Margaret wants to visit. Thanksgiving. Thoughts?
Margaret. His stepmother. Maya's mother. Currently serving time in minimum security.
I finished the lab, checked my results, and called Kai during the break.
"What exactly did she say?"
"She has visitor privileges for Thanksgiving. Wants to see Maya. And us." He sounded stressed. "I don't know what to do."
"What does Maya want?"
"I haven't told her yet. Wanted to talk to you first."
"Kai, this is your decision. She's your stepmother."
"She's also the woman who covered up my father's murder." His voice was tight. "But she's Maya's mom. And Maya asks about her sometimes."
"Then we should ask Maya what she wants."
Silence. Then: "You're right. We'll talk to her tonight."
That evening, we sat Maya down at the dining table the official "serious conversation" spot.
