Chapter 102

Latisha put her phone away, still not replying.

After a grueling day of washing dishes, she was exhausted. She went to her room and collapsed onto the bed. Staring at her raw, peeling fingers, she thought of Nikita's messages, her mind drifting into a haze.

A soft knock came at the door. It was Mrs. Dashiell, asking if she wanted something to eat.

Latisha sat up, surprised to see Mrs. Dashiell's stooped frame in the doorway, her face etched with concern.

She got out of bed and approached her, signing, *Why are you still awake so late?*

"I was waiting for you two to get back,” Mrs. Dashiell said.

*You shouldn't wait up for us,* Latisha signed. *You need to rest early.*