The Albatross [walker]

three.

"I'm a walking contradiction and it shows
Got a history of being in control
I'm aware that I could end up here alone"
— let it happen by gracie abrams.

/ bobble head \
season 1, episode 3

After an anxious morning of baking cookies and trying to keep myself away from alcohol, I decide to pay Stella a visit in the middle of the day, when the bar is empty and Geri is busy cleaning the counters.

I walk in and find Bonham in the kitchen. "Hey, Cora."

It's funny how everyone in the family calls me by my nickname, just as they call my sister Geri instead of Geraldine. But Cordell always called me Caroline, and it sounds amazing coming from his mouth.

"Hey, Bon," I say quietly, placing the cookies I baked this morning on the kitchen counter. "Why the frown?"

Even though Bonham usually has a frown, he scoffs. "You don't know? Troubled boy is in town."

I blink a few times. Is he talking about Hoyt? He's the only troubled boy I know, and the only one who gets on Bonham's nerves. But it couldn't be him, right? He would have called me.

"I'm always the last to know anything." I sigh.

Bonham, the good gossiper that he is, starts to spill. "He's in trouble with the law again. Had dinner here yesterday. Abeline was thrilled."

I smile softly. Abeline is almost like a mother to that boy since his real mom was too much of a coward to step up. "Let me guess, you didn't eat with them?"

"Well, I tried..." He admits, shrugging.

I laugh, shaking my head. "You need to give him a chance."

"That's what I say." Abeline's voice rings from behind me. She gently pinches my chin as she walks by. "Oh, cookies?"

"Baked them this morning," I say with a smile. She graciously takes one. "I'm actually here to see Stella. Is she home?"

"Oh, she could use someone to talk to," Abeline says, breaking my heart a little. "She's at the farmhouse."

I nod and wave as I leave the kitchen, catching a glimpse of Bonham grabbing one of my cookies, which makes me smile.

But before I can reach the door, Abeline coughs behind me, interrupting my steps. I turn to find her leaning against the wall, adjusting her glasses as she looks up at me. I already know what's coming.