Jane had prepared simple milk cereal and sandwiches, but Maddie hesitated before taking a bite. She eyed the sandwich cautiously, remembering the past few days of tension.
“Rico,” she began, breaking the silence, “do you have time to go back to the orphanage with me tomorrow?”
Rico looked up, surprised. “Why do you want to go to the orphanage?”
“I want to see Mrs. Walker,” Maddie said simply. “It’s been a while.”
Rico sighed. “I can’t tomorrow. Jane and I are heading to the beach for a few days to celebrate wrapping up the drama. I’ll go with you when I’m back.”
“And when will that be?”
“Five days.”
Maddie froze. Five days later, she would already be gone—flying back to Haichester to start a new chapter of her life. Rico wouldn’t even notice until she was already out of reach.
She swallowed hard, her throat tightening with disappointment. “Never mind,” she said quietly, picking up the sandwich and taking a small bite.
***