“How about some cinnamon tea?” Melissa felt so empty and cold. Tea sounded wonderful. Maybe it would warm her insides back to normal. She nodded and managed a tiny grin. The grin allowed her to catch her breath enough to stop sobbing. She exaggeratedly inhaled through her nose and blew air out her mouth, puffing her cheeks. Inside the coffee shop Mom opted for a cozy booth in the back. Melissa felt safe here, protected from the whirling madness that had become her life. “Okay, kiddo.” Mom looked serious. “You can run, but you can’t hide. Time to tell Mom what’s going on.” Melissa’s eyes welled up again. She wrapped her fingers around her mug, allowing the warmth to seep into her hands. She closed her eyes. The scent of cinnamon filled her nose, and the spicy taste of tea tickled her tongue. She wanted to tell Mom everything, but she didn’t dare. “It’s everything,” she managed, still gripping her teacup. “It’s Beau. He broke up with me.” “Oh, honey!” “It was stupid, really.
