Madness, it seemed, could be contagious. How else could Andrew explain why he had actually sent the hair for testing?

With the years piling on, Andrew had come to a reluctant, unspoken acceptance that his mother wouldnt be coming back. But memories, long tucked away, returned now with startling clarity, each detail vivid and unwavering.

How much can a six-year-old remember?

Too much.

He remembered the phonics flashcards shed made for him. He remembered her bringing him to the zoo. He remembered with perfect precision every idiom story she had told him.

Andrew sat on the couch, staring into space as the wheels of time ground to a halt. His mind was consumed by memories of another lifea life so distant it left an empty ache in his chest. The resemblance between that woman and his mother was uncanny. Even the way she called him baby had been identical.

The floodgates opened.

By eight in the morning, an email arrived. The expedited test results were in.

Andrew told himself this was all a farcejust an attempt to expose whatever game that woman might be playing. But when his fingertips brushed the screen, trembling as they hovered over the email, his inner turmoil betrayed him.

You dont shake unless youre hoping for something. Was it possible? Could the universe offer up a miracle, even to someone like him?

He read the email.

And the miracle stood staring back at him.

Andrew froze, his mind crashing in on itself. Wave after wave of disbelief churned within him. He didnt know how to react. The report lay there, indisputable, tangibleand utterly staggering.

He picked up the phone and dialed the number of the old house.

Baby, its Mom. Where are you? Let me come to youwell talk face-to-face, okay?

The familiar voice made his lashes quiver, and it took every ounce of willpower to keep his own voice steady.

Ill come home at noon.

He needed to see for himself.

Good. Ill wait for you, baby.

He hung up abruptly, stumbling to the bathroom with a gait more awkward than he cared to admit. He was awake, yes, but his thoughts were adrift in some ethereal beyond.

He had to think. Really think.

Meanwhile, over at the old house, Hazels mood soared. She knew her son had seen the report.

Gabriel, standing nearby, poured cold water over her optimism. Andys as cautious as they come. No matter how much proof you lay out, if it doesnt align with his worldview, he wont buy it.

Hazels smile stiffened at his bluntness. Folding her arms, she shot him a withering look. Andy wasnt this difficult when he was little.

But she had nothing to hideher story could bear any scrutiny. Rising gracefully, she glanced down at Gabriel, smirking. As for you, your scorecard isnt clean. Thats a conversation for later.

Without waiting for a reply, she strode toward the kitchen. Andy loves my sweet-and-sour ribs. Id better start cooking.

Gabriel scowled at her retreating figure. He loved those ribs, too. Hazels claim that hed once been the most loved in the house? Lies. Lies designed to torment him.

*****

Just as Gabriel had predicted, Andrew didnt arrive with open arms. His demeanor remained distant, every gesture exuding a polite frostiness.

Hazel wasnt discouraged. Shed braced herself for this while chopping vegetables. Her son would need time to bridge such a yawning gap.

Andy, I made your favoritesweet-and-sour ribs! Hazel greeted him cheerily, ignoring the iciness radiating from him as she called him toward the dining table.

Andrew didnt move. I want to talk to you. Alone.

Hazel blinked but quickly nodded, pulling off her apron as she walked to the sink. Of course. Go to the study. Ill join you in a moment.

He nodded, turning on his heel. Without so much as glancing toward the couch where Gabriel sat, he stalked toward the study, offering neither a word nor a greeting.

Gabriel, long inured to Andrews coldness, watched without alarm, unmoved.

Inside the study, Hazel and Andrew sat across from one another.

Why are you afraid of bugs when youre not really scared of them? Andrews question came out of nowhere.

Hazel burst into a soft chuckle. When you were five, youd scream if you saw the tiniest bugjump three feet and cry your little heart out. I thought to myself, What happens if a girl gets scared by a bug when he grows up? My son cant very well compete to see who screams louder! So, I decided to act scared. Every time youd step in front of me, all protective, and tell me, Mom, Ill save you. Youd scoop the bug up and toss it away. For weeks, I had our housekeeper Stacy plant bugs along our path to build your courage. By the end, you didnt even flinch.

As Hazel spoke, Andrews tightened face began to soften, the hard lines giving way to something reluctantly relaxed.

Hed remembered a fragment from childhoodthrowing a tantrum and vowing to rid the world of all bugs, to which his mother had sighed in mock concern, Oh, my silly boy, whats going to happen when you date someone?

This connected the dots.

Andrew asked more questions, digging into long-disjointed memories of his childhood. Hazels answers filled the gaps, reviving not just fragments but giving his mother a fuller, more tangible shape in his mind.

Not every story, however, came with a neat resolution. Some memories Andrew brought up left Hazel searching blankly; not every detail had stayed with her.

Do you believe me now, Andy?

Hazels fingers laced together, the tightening grip betraying her nerves.

I dont know.

His answer, instead of discouraging her, steadied her spirit. The fact that he was willing to admit uncertaintythat he was grappling with his real feelingswas a step forward.

I need to think it over. IIm leaving for now.

Without waiting for her reply, Andrew stood abruptly and walked out of both the study and the house, as though afraid she might chase after him.

A part of him was already leaning toward accepting her. But he didnt yet know what to do with all of these feelingshow to reconcile her miraculous reappearance with his current self. Was he supposed to throw himself at her feet and cry like the boy he once was? Fifteen years had built too much distance, too much unfamiliarity.

He needed time to let it all settle.

Hazel understood this but couldnt help the tiny pang of disappointment that lingered as she watched him leave.

Didnt go well?

Gabriel, fresh from a call on the balcony, came to join her. Hed watched Andrew drive off.

A mother whos been missing for fifteen years shows up with a wild story about time travelof course its hard for him to wrap his head around, Hazel admitted with a sigh. Its not just about believing; we need to figure out how to relate to each other again.

She was painfully aware: her son was no longer six years old.

Gabriel pulled her into a comforting embrace. Its fine. Thisll take time. Hell come around eventually, Hazel.

Settling Hazel into a chair at the table, Gabriels gaze landed on the spread of dishes. He inhaled sharply, noticing with dismay.

Where are the sweet-and-sour ribs?!

A nearby housekeeper answered for Hazel, setting down the last plate with a knowing smile. They were packed up for the young masters car.

Hazel wasnt surprised; shed instructed the chef to pack them earlier. Her instincts told her Andrew wouldnt stay for lunch, so shed made sure his ribs went with him.

Gabriel sighed loudly but said nothing further, offering Hazel soup and helping her to some vegetables with exaggerated calm. Beneath that composed exterior, though, his inner child sulked, clutching an invisible handkerchief, crying bitterly.

He shouldve stopped Andrew when he had the chance!

Hazel noticed his mood and allowed herself a sly, knowing smile.

If he really wanted to earn back her cooking, lets see how he behaves from now on.