Chapter 6: Sweet and Sour

Because I picked cheap shoes and read picture books with my sister, Natalie’s mom made a big plate of sweet and sour pork chops for me.

That night, for the first time, I ate whatever I wanted—instead of measured, scheduled meals like my mom insisted on. Those low-cal, perfect meals from my old life were cold and empty. Even wild-caught Maine shrimp couldn’t compare to the love in Natalie’s mom’s cooking.

“Natalie, what’s wrong? You look sick.”

“No, it’s just…your sweet and sour pork is so good, I almost don’t want to eat it.”

“Silly girl, if you like it, eat more! I’ll make it again tomorrow.”

She pushed the last pork chop into my bowl, not saving any for herself.

My eyes stung. Something inside me, broken for years, began to heal. So this is what it feels like to be loved by a mother…

Like a spring breeze, like warm sun in winter.

The kitchen light glowed yellow and soft over the Formica table. Outside, wind rattled the old storm windows. For a moment, I let myself forget everything else and just tasted home.

But just when I thought I’d found a way out, Natalie’s mom and dad had a huge fight because of me.