"Syd, sweetheart." Mom stood abruptly, smiling in return, offering her hands to me. My own smile faded rapidly, disappearing as I hugged her and kissed her cheek. "You look wonderful."

What's going on? I shot that question directly into her head but she shook it off and turned, still smiling that Council Leader smile I knew so well, gesturing to the woman sitting at the table.

"I'd like you to meet someone." Mom's voice shook, ...