The Only Door That Opened When the Others Closed

Grocery smelled of waxed floors and overripe bananas. Ivy stood near the cereal aisle, holding a container of oats, while Carol searched for tea bags three aisles over.

A sharp, familiar laugh made Ivy freeze.

Through the gap in the metal shelving, she saw her mother, Tanya, holding a plastic bag of red apples. Tanya wore a bright yellow continue reading …