Aunt Vonda is so excited the next morning when I tell her what I have planned, she spills her tea all over the table. I accept her hug with one of my own, though I'm beginning to think if the people who love me don't stop choking me, I won't be around much longer.

She sits back, clapping like a crazy lady, red-tinted curls barely moving as she bounces in her seat.

"Riley," she gushes all over me, "that's so wonderful!"

We walk together to work, my few hours of ...