Chapter 85

• I was barely in the Westonwood waiting room before Mom hugged me fiercely, all defiance and no affection. It was amazing how much strength was in that tiny little bag of bones.
• “It’s fine, Ma.” I looked over her shoulder at Dad, his Drazentrademark red hair just beginning to turn grey.
• His hands were in his pockets and his shoulder was against the wall. I rolled my eyes at him, but he just turned to look out the window. He always tried so hard, and I always failed him.