December 27th, 1992
St. Keller, Maine
5216 Violet Avenue
I don't remember much of last night. All I know is Aunt Adele carried me to bed, crying. And I feel like crying more as I walk to Toby's.
I knock on the door. Toby answers.
"Hey, Athena. Do you know what happened to your mom?"
I break down, crying harder than I've ever cried before.
"She has lung cancer. I just don't know what to do anymore."
He hugs me, and for the longest time I don't let go. It must be an eternity before I say, "I'm sorry. I must be choking you."
"No, don't apologize. None of this is your fault."
"Thanks, Toby. Really. For everything." I say.
And I mean it.
