It was after dark before my mother made it home. As soon as her lights brightened the side of the house I bounded to the door and wrenched it open. She didn't look surprised by the sudden greeting, but I didn't get a chance to say anything to her because Meira squealed and came running.

I slung her up into my arms and hugged her, noticing how big she was getting. And heavy.

"Syd!" She kissed me soundly on the cheek. "We had such a great day! I wish you'd come with ...