A Cup of Silver Linings by Karen Hawkins

Author:Karen Hawkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gallery Books
Published: 2021-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

 CHAPTER 13  Ava

“It’s looking better. What did you do to it?”

Ava looked up from where she was kneeling beside the peppermint plant she’d brought home from the greenhouse and smiled at Sarah. “I repotted it to give the roots more room. To be honest, I think the sun has helped it more than anything.”

“It’s getting healthier by the day.” Sarah tied her scarf around her neck, the brilliant stripes no more colorful than her flowered leggings and bright red tunic top. “This room always did get the most sun. That’s why Momma loved it so much.”

The breakfast room was one of Ava’s favorite rooms, too, and for that very reason. It was located in the bottom floor of the turret just off the entryway. That was the beauty of a large, rambling Queen Anne–style home—they had more windows than walls. This particular room was octagonal in shape, with heavy wood trim, five large windows, a set of ornate pocket doors, and a fireplace with a black iron grate set against peacock-blue and green tiles.

Momma had loved every corner, nook, and cranny of this old house, although with seven daughters, she’d had neither the time nor the money to keep it up. As big as it was—nine bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms—the house had never felt too large to Ava, even after all her sisters except Sarah had moved away, one at a time, on their way to either college or new jobs. She and Sarah still hoped their sisters would eventually move back home, although so far, none of them had.

Ava slid the peppermint plant back in line with the other plants and set the watering can to one side. “I can’t believe you’re already dressed. You never get up this early.” Outside, the morning sun was just now gleaming bright enough to light the house.

“Do you know what today is?” Sarah asked, giving an excited little hop.

“It’s Monday. No, wait, it’s Valentine’s Day, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s Monday, and yes it’s Valentine’s Day, but those don’t matter. Today is the day I get to order new books.” Sarah’s smile could get no wider. “If I spend wisely, I can get three dozen!”

“I’m surprised you’re not already at work.”

“I know, right?” Sarah tilted her head to one side, her smile fading as her gaze moved over Ava’s face. “You look so tired. Did you sleep at all?”

No. She hadn’t. Last night, every time she’d closed her eyes, the stupid box had thumped up a storm. It had gone on for hours, too. Even now, she could hear it upstairs, thumping an angry beat that matched the headache already forming behind her eyes. Bam. Bam. Bam. It was remorseless.

When the secret had first started its banging and thumping, she’d been terrified that Sarah, who slept just down the hallway, would hear it. But she never had. Apparently only Ava could hear the box’s demanding fury. Thank God. She pressed her fingers to her temple, which throbbed in sync with the box.

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