CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE: SMOKER

The next day, Anna was jolted awake by the sharp ring of her phone. Groggily, she reached for it, squinting at the unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. Hesitating for a moment, she answered. "Hello?" "Anna? Is that you?" The voice on the other end was slurred and thick with the unmistakable edge of inebriation. Anna's heart sank. "Yes, this is Anna. Who is this?" "It's your mother," the woman replied, her words blending together. "I... I need money." Anna felt a wave of conflicting emotions crash over her. Her mother had been out of her life for years, her absence marked by a haze of alcoholism and neglect. "I'm not giving you money," Anna said firmly, anger bubbling up. "Where are you?" The woman gave a wheezing laugh. "You want to come see me? Fine. I’m at the same place as always." "I'll be there soon," Anna said, hanging up before her mother could respond. She felt a mix of dread and determination as she got dressed, mentally preparing herself for the encounter. Drivin