"I told you. I was in the garden, lost track of time, didn't drink enough water." Emily took a sip as if to prove the point. "The heat caught up with me. That's all."

"You never forget to hydrate. You've lectured me about it my entire life."

"Well, today I forgot." Emily set the glass down with a soft clink. "I'm allowed to forget sometimes, Kimberly. I'm not getting any younger."

"Don't." Kimberly's voice came out sharper than intended. "Don't do that. Don't deflect."

Emily's eyes narrowed ...