Nothing looks different. My hair hangs curly around my shoulders, still a little damp from my shower. My dull brown eyes are still dull. I place my hand on my stomach. It’s tight today, trying to hold in the butterflies that have taken up residency there. Did I really study with Ben Tyler? My body tells me yes. It aches this morning, like it ached the first time. I take another breath and walk into Shakedown Street. Warm air from the heating vent over the door blasts my head and I shiver. The place is quiet this morning. Too quiet. The radio isn’t even on. I’m switching out my sweatshirt for my green apron when I hear a sniffle come from behind the counter. I look to see what it is and find Ninny curled up on the floor. “Mom?” “Aspen-tree.” She looks up at me with tear-covered cheeks. Her hair is a mess and she looks like she hasn’t slept all night. “What is it?” I move to sit next to her.
