Emelia stormed past us a moment later while Alice clutched her small bag of possessions, waiting for her key. The older woman didn't meet our eyes, but it was clear she was furious with the younger's attitude and intrusion on the lies she was telling herself. To each their own and while I disagreed with Alice's timing, I knew the truth would have to come out for the grieving mother eventually.

Mom joined us, a forced smile on her face. She'd borne the brunt of whatever ...