Of course Maurice didn't want to let me in, but I was in no shape to listen, to pay attention. My demon, still raging and hurting, shoved him aside as I forced my way into Mom's quarters, calling for her in mind and voice.

I just really needed my mother to hug me and let me cry and tell me everything was going to be all right. Because if she did, if that happened, I knew everything would be.

Not how things turned out.

Mom stormed out of her office, her fury ...