Grumbling to myself-I'd decided to stay out of it, so why was the Universe conspiring to keep me in it?-I headed for the kitchen. Mom was quiet, almost silent, grunting the occasional noncommittal response to my attempt at false cheer so I gave up, leaving her to putter around the kitchen, Petunia fed and napping.

I cleaned up quickly, a text coming through as I wiped my hands, dropping my kitchen towel in the sink, the quiet of my apartment making the following feel ...