Ava stood in front of the mirror, examining the bruises on her hands—remnants of the violence James had inflicted upon her. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to look at her reflection in the past seven days. Everything had changed.
From the kitchen, Cate watched her new daughter with concern. “Did you forget what the doctor said? You shouldn't be walking around. Only to the bathroom, and that’s it.”
Ava, still gazing at her reflection, replied, “I just... I couldn’t look at myself until now. A lot has changed, over a... a week.”
Cate approached her, her voice soft but firm. “And you're still alive, Ava. That's what matters.”
Ava turned away from the mirror and looked at Cate. A small smile formed on her lips as she walked over to the kitchen and sat down, her eyes resting on Cate.
“What are you looking at?” Cate asked, amused.
“Nothing,” Ava replied, her smile widening. “I guess I'm finally happy, after everything.”
Cate began tidying up the kitchen, glancing at Ava. “By the way, the lawyer called while you were asleep.”
Ava perked up. “What did he say?”
“He said James is getting three years in prison. No trial or anything—just straight to sentencing,” Cate informed her.
Ava nodded thoughtfully. “Do you think we’ll be able to move away from here?”
“I think we should,” Cate agreed.
“I guess I just need to see how things will work out with Dina and me,” Ava said, her voice carrying a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Cate gave her a reassuring look. “I think you two are made for each other.”
Ava smiled, comforted by Cate's words. “I think so too.”
Cate finished in the kitchen and looked at Ava with a mixture of concern and affection. “Don’t you want to go lie down?”
Ava shook her head. “I can’t sleep 24/7, Catharine.”
They both laughed lightly, but their moment was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Cate wiped her hands on a towel as she moved towards the door. “It’s Thomas,” she said.
Ava’s expression shifted to one of frustration. “Oh, great.”
Cate paused at the door, glancing back at Ava. “He told me he wanted to visit you. I said today we’d bring you to my home.”
Ava’s voice grew sharper. “Mom, why would you tell him that?”
Cate froze, a smile slowly spreading across her face. Ava realized why and her own frustration melted away, replaced by a shy smile. It was the first time she had called Cate “Mom.”
Cate, still smiling, opened the door, and there stood Thomas with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He looked at Ava, clearly surprised by the warm reception.
“Hello,” he greeted, his voice tentative.
“Hey,” Ava replied with a small smile.
“These are for you,” Thomas said, offering the flowers.
Ava took them and nodded; her tone softer now. “Thank you.” She turned to Cate and said, “Mom, could you put these somewhere for me?”
Cate nodded, taking the flowers with a smile as Ava invited Thomas inside. Ava moved slowly towards the bed, lying down carefully. “Sorry, I can’t sit up for too long,” she explained.
YOU ARE READING
The Chemist's Conundrum
ActionAva Levine, a 19-year-old chemistry prodigy, lives alone in the heart of the city. Her world is turned upside down during her first week at university, as her solitary existence begins to unravel in unexpected ways.
