Free Bloom by Marilyn Grey Page A

mask and be yourself. No human is worthy of too much praise and loathing. Don’t be so full of yourself.”
    I missed him. And my mother. I wished they’d move back to Pennsylvania, but every few years they seemed to move further from the cold.
    Dad was right. I needed to take off my pride masks. Right now, I was draped in insecurity and pity. Thinking too much of myself again.
    I meandered downstairs. No sign of Ella, but most of my old photographs that were sold now sat on the couch, reflecting the dreary gray sky from the window.
    “Oh, hey,” Ella said as she popped up from the kitchen floor with a sponge in each hand. “I found all of your photographs and bought them back.” She stood beside me and pointed with a sponge. “Except the one like that one. The other one with the city skyline ... couldn’t find it. And I’m really sorry. I haven’t given up, but the one you wanted to give Anastasia is still missing. The 11x17 one you named ‘Out of Adversity’ right?”
    “How’d you know that’s what I named it?”
    “I’m your biggest fan.”
    “I’m so sorry, Ella. I know you’ve only meant to help. My reaction was immature.”
    “I completely understand. I didn’t realize you did those in a dark room and didn’t have copies, otherwise I would’ve made copies first. I just knew you sold your work back in Philly and thought I’d help so you had something to get back on your feet when you were better.”
    “I miss Philly.”
    Gavin appeared in the stairway with Adelaide.
    “What are you doing here on a Friday morning?” I said. “Thought this was the day you taught art at that homeschooling group?”
    He looked at Ella, then me. “Today’s Saturday.”
    “Saturday?” I frantically pulled my phone out of my hoodie. “Shoot. I’m supposed to take Anastasia out today.”
    “Well, at least you’re already dressed.” Ella took Adelaide from Gavin. “What time do you need to be there?”
    “Fifteen minutes ago.”
    I texted Sophia. Running late. Be there in twenty.

    Anastasia walked to my car. Slower than normal. Sophia said her body was weakening so much that she wasn’t sure she’d make it to Christmas. Hold on, sweet girl , I said inside. Just one more Christmas for your mama .
    I held my breath as I helped her frail body into my car. “You sure you’re okay?”
    She looked at my hands. “You sure you are? I remember how my skin tightened after the burns. I could barely move without hurting.”
    I smiled. “I take extra pain management medicine when I know I’m going to be more active. By the end of the day I’m beat though.”
    We drove a few minutes when she asked me to put on some music. As Adele chased pavements, we chased green lights until we arrived at our destination. I waved to Derek, Ella’s brother, and got out of the car. He walked out the front door of the warehouse and smiled, then gave me a hug.
    “Sarah, it’s so good to see you getting back to life. I remember that feeling. Hiding and growing content in misery. You look happy now.”
    “Happier. I’ve not quite tipped the scale to happy yet.”
    “Happier is a start.”
    “Thanks for doing this, D. Anastasia doesn’t want to tell her family.”
    “Very brave of her.” He walked to the car and opened the door. “Anastasia, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you.” He bowed and kissed her hand. “I am honored to meet you.” He helped her out of the car.
    I escorted her to the door of the building and turned back to Derek. “Oh, my stuff is in the trunk. Can you get it please?”
    Anastasia gasped when she walked inside. So did I.
    Wow.
    Derek entered and grinned as he set my equipment down. “Is it what you imagined?”
    Anastasia tried to speak a few times, then finally said, “It’s so much more. I can’t believe it.”
    “Yes. Unbelievable,” I said. “Just ... unbelievable.”
    “Hey, hey.” Miranda appeared from around a wall. “Pretty snazzy, huh?” She put her arm around