"Let's start by getting you out of this place." He lifts his head. "You deserve more."
I wiggle until they give me an ounce of space, and I follow his gaze. The paint on the walls doesn't match, a few cabinets hangcrooked, and the edge of the countertop is chipped. The two-foot-tall Christmas tree with a handful of colorful ornaments my neighbor gifted me is the highlight of the living space. But it's home.
"Let us give you the life you deserve," Dylan says.
Conflicted feelings race through me. "Everybody deserves better than this. I wouldn't miss my time-sensitive showers, but I've met some of the nicest neighbors and friends here and in this town."
Toby's brow furrows. "You want to stay?"
"I don't know what I want yet."
"At least let us take you home for Christmas." Dylan squeezes my hand.
I exhale, the weight of their stares pressing in. "I want that too. It's just strange to have this life and another one."
Toby nods. "That's fair. You can live wherever you want, just give us a chance." He pauses and pulls out his phone. "But can you also give me your landlord's number?"
My eyes narrow. "What are you going to do? Get me kicked out?"
"No. I'm going to offer to foot the bill to remodel the whole complex. Our Christmas gift to your neighbors."
"Great idea. It's the least we can do," Dylan confirms.
I'm speechless, clearly not remembering how much money they have.
Toby says, "I could show you a study that shows that when people's surroundings are kept up, it positively impacts their well-being."
I interrupt. "You have that much money?"
Dylan grins, the first real spark in his eyes. "We have enough money to do just about anything."
I'm floored. But what really staggers me is how sincere they seem. Their grievous misstep with my diary is only a tiny piece ofwho they are. I know that, even if I can't remember how I know it. "All I have to do is give you a chance?"
"And go home with us for Christmas," Toby reminds me.
Laughter bubbles out of me, light and unexpected. "We have a deal." I grab my phone and forward the landlord's contact to Toby.
"We need to let Mom and Dad know you're safe," he adds.
My dad! The thought warms my heart. "I can’t wait to talk to him."
Dylan says, "Let's do a video call."
"Right now? It's the middle of the night."
"Time's irrelevant in a situation like this." Dylan opens his phone.
I put my hand over his screen. "Okay, but one more question."
"What is it?"
"Your mom?"
They both grimace.
"I guess that’s my answer. We didn’t get along, did we?"
Toby rubs his temple. "She was pretty good to us, but when she married your dad, she kind of became the fabled evil stepmother."
