Chapter 27: Nature and Nurture

“I know what they say about best-laid plans, but this is ridiculous,” Reesa said as she stood in front of her bedroom window. Torrential rain was one of two challenges she faced in picking up art supplies from Vernazza.

The other challenge was a different kind of downpour.

She turned away from the window and looked at her bedding. “How can I get this past Myko?”

On her tablet, an alarm signaled that it was time to make breakfast. The device was right next to her bag of toiletries which, given her history, had everything except what she needed for this day and the next four that followed.

“I hate everything,” she grumbled as she turned off the tablet. With her free hand, she clutched her raging abdomen. “Of all the times to be unprepared. How did I forget to restock?”

On the desk, her phone chirped. Annoyed by the sound, she checked it and frowned at the screen. “More updates? Knock yourself out,” she said and muted it so she could concentrate.