Ivy's POV
"Thank you," I mustered a smile as we exited yet another store. My arms were laden with shopping bags, and my energy reserves had hit rock bottom. Still, our to-do list seemed endless. I surveyed my haul of new sheets, blankets, and pillows – replacements for everything we'd discarded. "I'm exhausted, my head is pounding, and I'm—"
"Complaining," Mom interjected with a knowing smile. "We just need to get your new mattress and arrange for the old one to be removed."
"Plus finish the mountain of laundry and get the carpet cleaning done," I reminded her. She closed her eyes and sighed.
"I completely forgot about those," she admitted, stretching her back before pulling her hair into a tight ponytail. "Let's wrap up this shopping trip. I still have dinner to prepare."
"Why not just order takeout? Faith and Jade can survive one night without your home cooking." I watched as Mom contemplated this, her head bobbing slightly as she weighed the options.
