I didn't realize how quiet the house could get until Amanda wasn't in the room.
My mum was resting against the headboard, her eyes half open, watching me move around. I could tell my presence was still unusual to her.
I adjusted the curtains for the third time even though they were already fine. Then I walked back to the table, picked up a bottle, checked the label, put it back exactly where it was. I knew I didn't need to do any of this. I just didn't know where to sit or what to say without feeling like I was stepping into someone else's life.
"Ava," she said softly.
I turned immediately. "Yeah?"
"You don't have to keep moving," she said, a small smile forming on her lips. "Come and sit."
I hesitated for a second before walking over, pulling the chair closer to the bed.
For a moment, neither of us said anything. She kept looking at me, and I didn't know if I should hold her gaze or look away, so I did a bit of both.
"You've changed," she said.
