Erica took over while the rest of us just stood there and tried to figure out what to do next.

"Miriam left me with instructions," she said. "I have work to do. And so do all of you." She turned to me and Meira. Gram still clung to us like she was lost. "And you."

Mom left me a job to do? Wicked. Finally.

"Go home," Erica said. "And stay there."

I scowled at her, opened my mouth to protest.

"Syd," she said, softer, with great feeling, "someone has ...