61 A Party

"Ava! Oh my Goddess! Where have you been? I've been calling and texting you." Marylis pulled her into a tight hug. "I was so worried!"

Ava smiled. "I was away. Work."

"You could have called and let us know. Phil has been very worried lately." Marylis led her to the living room. A large family portrait on top of the fireplace to her right immediately caught her attention. The portrait actually included Ava and Gabriella. 

"It was a gift. I gave it to Phil and he liked it."

She nodded at Marylis's words.

"Where's he?" she asked.

"He needed to leave for a while. Work. But he will come back in a few minutes." Marylis took a seat right next to her. "It's been a few days. How have you been? You look thinner. Are you alright?"