Marks of Possession

Avery

When I unlocked my apartment door, I was immediately hit by the smell of coffee and bacon. Mom was up and cooking, which was both a relief and a concern.

"Avery?" she called from the kitchen. "Is that you, honey?"

"Yeah, Mom," I answered, dropping my purse on the entryway table. "You're up early."

I found her at the stove, spatula in hand, looking better than she had in weeks. The color had