Chapter 2 is dedicated to LittleVee, whose comments yesterday on chapter one meant so much to this writer. When you wondered what the mom would say next, the beginning of the scene popped into my head, so I attribute that inspiration to you! Enjoy :)

Mom comes running down the stairs, her eyes moist. I can't tell if she's about to cry or laugh because now there's a huge smile on her face.

"Mom, are you okay?" A thought pops into my head and I panic. "Is it Daddy?" I hear the couch shift and Pam stands up next to me.

Mom blinks. "What? Oh, no!" She flattens her hand against her chest. "Girls, he's fine. He's going to call us tonight. It was actually—" She pauses and looks at us, then puts her phone down on the side table and reaches her hands out in front of her, like she's speaking at a book signing for kids, which would of course never happen because she writes mystery thrillers that would scar children for life.

"That was my friend Lucy." Mom puts one hand against her chest again and takes a deep breath. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but—" She grins. "She's wants to come visit!"

"Here?" Pam catches herself. "I mean, obviously, but what, that's great!"

My mind is still reeling. Clearly Mom is still happy, so I feel relieved. "This is huge. You must be so excited!"

Mom hugs herself. "It is exciting. But, I want us to talk about it as a family first."

I perch back on the edge of the arm of the couch. "She's your closest friend and you haven't seen her in ages."

Pam asks what I'm about to ask. "What's there to talk about?"

"Well." Mom bites her lip. "Lucy wouldn't be coming alone. She wants to bring her son too. He's Caitlin's age."

I freeze. Mom having her friend over is wonderful, but entertaining her son, now—"When?"

Mom folds her arms across her chest, looking apprehensive. "They would be coming this weekend for maybe a week or two."

"This weekend?" A hint of emotion sneaks into my voice without my permission.

Claustrophobia presses in on all sides.
Mom notices and takes my hand and then Pam's. "Girls, this is really our decision. I promise you." She lowers her voice. "I want us to have time together, especially now, after..." She doesn't fill in the blanks, but my eyes are already tearing up. I'm glad it's so dark in the basement. "We all miss Kitty. She is family to all of us, and she always will be. We're all here together supporting each other. Nothing is ever going to change how much we love Kitty, and what she means to us." She looks at me and then Pam, and then sneaks a glance back at me. "If someone coming over right now isn't a good time, then all I have to do is say no. I am serious. Family first."

I gulp, trying to quietly take a breath. In the darkness like this, I can almost imagine Kitty rubbing up against my legs. I feel another tear looming and I squeeze my eyes, trying to get ready to answer Mom. Her warm hands are still holding ours. I don't know if she has magical Mom night vision because she gives my hand a supportive squeeze.

Pam is quiet, and I know they're both waiting for my answer.

Studying for exams last week felt impossible. Being without Kitty felt impossible. But I managed to hang on long enough to do my exams well, and what let me do that was the knowledge that in a week, I'd be home, exam free, in my refuge, the place that now surrounds me with sad triggers, but also that keeps me close to her. It's only been a week and a half, so I can still turn corners and think I see her there. And while it makes me want to cry, it feels so good to feel her just there.

I picture Lucy and her son coming over, and their excitement to be here, and the emotional claustrophobia sneaks in again. Where will they sleep? I won't be able to cry. Or walk around without running into them. I...

"Cat?" Mom looks at me. "I can say no. Lucy's my best friend—she'll understand."

Cat. Best friend. They're just sounds strung together but they're both triggers for Kitty, Kitty.

And they trigger my decision, too. This is Mom's best friend. I know what that's like. If I could have more time with Kitty, I'd take it. I appreciated every moment with her and I'm grateful for that; I know I did it right, and that provides some level of comfort in all this.

"Mom." I squeeze her back. We're still standing here in the dark holding hands. "Like you said, she's your best friend. You guys talk all the time. If she wants to come over, that's amazing. I think you should say yes."