You Need Carbs

"You're so thin!" her mother exclaimed. It was unclear from her tone or expression whether she thought this was a good thing or a bad thing. Sandy gnawed on her nails, and then stopped before her mother could slap her hand away. It felt even now, as if someone or something was closing in. She resisted the urge to keep looking over her shoulder. Her mother's home was richly decorated for Christmas I and maybe it was this that made her feel line her mental health was threatening to unravel. It was as if she'd associated all the festive trappings with horrors, panic, and sadness. The nasty little elf was always in the corner of her vision. "Are you okay, honey?" her mother looked worried. "There was something on the news about Karl and... That fire was an accident, wasn't it? Only..." "It was an accident, Mum," Sanay mumbled. "They think I set it on purpose because there was something spilled on the rug, that's all." "And they really put you in... one of those places? Just for that?" I need to tell her everything, but it will worry her. And it does sound pretty crazy... "You know, her mum carried on, "It's a good thing Karl dropped the kids here that night. the said you were under a lot of strain and needed a night off... Sunay? Are you sure you're okay?" "Mum..." Sandy croaked, "Say that again... about Karl... "Well, you were under pressure and running yourself ragged so he - " "No," Sandy said, voice shaking, "You said he brought the children here? Where did he take them after that?" "He said an old school friend had an Air BnB... He said it would just be until all this fuss settled down. To tell you the truth, I think he was worried the kids would be taken away because, well, you know..." Sandy's hands shook, and she stuffed them under her own thighs. Because everyone thought I was crazy. This ugly little thought was drowned out by another larger one: I can find them. I can get them back. I can get answers. Clear my name. Convince everyone I'm sane.... "Mum? Do you have me address for that Air BnB?"