A tall man with shoulder-length brown hair stood waving at them from the back dock of the grocery store. A rge grin, which couldn’t be concealed by the goatee he sported, lit up his face, and a small sheen of moisture reflected the bright morning light off his forehead. He stood next to several boxes that were resting on a pull cart obviously meant for them. Cordelia’s shoulders sank slightly, realizing that at least part of their shopping trip would not be shopping. No opportunity to throw that candy bar into the cart or maybe a bag of Cheetos Puffs.

  Maria waved back at him as she pulled up and then around so that the back of the van was close to him. He rolled the boxes over as Silka jumped out to open the rear doors. Cordelia turned in her seat to look back. The man nodded a greeting at her and then at her mother, but nothing on his face indicated he recognized Silka.

  “I’ll help,” her mother said with a smile as she grabbed a box, and the two of them carefully stacked everything inside.

  “Thanks, Jim,” Maria called out when he reached for the rear doors, starting to close them.

  “Always a pleasure, Mrs. Pontus,” he returned as he shut the door with a cushioned thump. He pushed the cart back to the loading area as Silka got back into the passenger seat. Cordelia caught another wave from him as they pulled away. With a disappointed breath, she turned back, sinking into her seat as she watched the store disappear out the window.

  Driving down the main street, they turned onto a series of side streets until ultimately pulling into a cluster of smaller shops close to a pier. They stopped in front of a fish market, and this time her grandmother parked.

  With glee, Cordelia scrambled toward the sliding door, wrenching it open, excited to see if there was any pce she wanted to check out. She peered around the area, but her grandmother and mother headed toward the fish market, and she had to follow or get left behind. Maria pushed open the door; a bell tinkled as the three moved inside. It smelled of fish and the wildness of the ocean, obviously, but was a neat shop with more than just seafood items for purchase. Against the far wall was the fish counter, and there stood another woman of Maria’s simir age with a broad smile on her round face. Her salt and pepper hair was piled in a bun on top of her head with wisps all around her face.

  “Maria,” the woman called out before a brief frown crossed her face. “Sorry I couldn’t bring the fish out to you for the meal tonight. Hanson had a st-minute fishing run, so we can’t make it out to your pce for dinner.” The woman ughed, “Of course, we’ll be there in time for drinks. Maybe I can convince Hanson to dance this time.”

  Cordelia took a step closer to the two women, wondering what they were talking about. She knew about dinner and assumed drinks on the patio, but that sounded like there would be a band or music? And how did this friend of her grandmother fit in with the other guests who knew her mother?

  Cordelia waited for them to say more; instead, the woman headed through two swinging doors to the back.

  Her grandmother turned then. “If you want, you can run across the street to the yogurt shop and get a treat,” Maria told Cordelia with a glint in her eyes, pulling out a twenty from her wallet.

  “Mom - I can get her yogurt,” Silka protested, frowning at the money in her grandmother’s hand.

  “I know, but I want to buy my granddaughter a treat. It might take a few minutes for Agnes to pack up everything.”

  Beaming, Cordelia took the two steps to reach her grandmother, curling her fingers around the twenty. Finally! “Thanks, Yia Yia,” she exhaled in a rush, her lips turned up even more as she bounded to the door. A treat, along with getting to explore on her own.

  A screech of a gull welcomed her, as did the gentle thunk of a boat pushed by the waves against the pier. Because she’d only had seconds to look around before, she hadn’t noticed the yogurt shop that was nestled between a fabric store and a pet store, but there it was. Looking both ways along the two-ne street, finding it clear of cars, she jogged across toward the shop whose windows were painted with colorful spring flowers of yellow and pink. The fvor of the month was pineapple.

  She yanked the door open, it dragging her for a step, as a bell jingled to alert anyone inside. Cordelia breathed it in. It was small, but had everything she needed - six or so different yogurt fvors and a variety of candy and fruit toppings. Two young women in their early twenties stood in a side area close to where you checked out. They greeted her together as she entered before returning to look out the front window.

  Cordelia picked up a bowl and swirled a strawberry-fvored yogurt into the dish when a softly asked question drifted over to her, “What do you think?”

  “About that woman?”

  “Yes . . . She has to be like a hundred years old, yet could easily pass for sixty.” Cordelia paused to listen, easing up the handle of the yogurt machine. They were speaking softly still; she caught it. Was this about her grandmother?

  “Sam, that’s ridiculous. Some people just age well.”

  “I’ve seen her since I was a little kid. She looks exactly the same age.” Sam’s voice rose slightly, “That is weird. They also like to keep to themselves.”

  “I don’t think it’s that weird. She takes care of herself.” The woman ughed, “Maybe staying away from people keeps her young.”

  Sam’s voice dropped. Cordelia closed her eyes, straining to hear. “It’s not just her. Her husband too. I tell you they don’t age.”

  The other woman snorted, moving away.

  “It’s been a topic around here for years.” Sam hissed, “I’m not the only one thinking it.”

  A cabinet opened, and a rustle of bottles being moved came from behind the counter before a murmured, “Thinking what?”

  Very low this time, Sam breathed, “Maybe they’re witches.”

  This time, Cordelia snorted. The sound echoed off the machines.

  The two women fell silent. Broom sweeping started up, and the rattle of trays being adjusted followed.

  Reaching up for the handle, Cordelia added a little more yogurt before walking confidently over to load up on toppings, including a gummy shark. She pnned to pretend she hadn’t overhead them. Witches! She shook her head.

  Sliding the bowl gently onto the scale, she stepped in front of the register to pay. The woman named Sam rang up her purchase in silence, a faint blush covering her cheeks as she gnced up to meet Cordelia’s eyes. Cordelia pushed down her smile as she handed the woman her money. Still, the woman fumbled with counting out the change.

  “Thanks,” she sang, heading out the door. Were they watching her? Her heart raced. If they saw her with her grandmother, would they realize they’d been caught? Could Sam turn redder?

  She scooped up some yogurt and smiled, thinking of her grandparents as witches. Didn’t you need a good forest nearby for spells? Or did the swamp work? Laughing at the thought as she enjoyed the cool strawberry fvor and crunch of M&M’s.

  A chilled breeze brushed along her neck, which brought with it a sobering thought: Could her grandparents be witches? Was that the secret? It might expin why their family didn’t visit. But how would faking her grandparents’ death protect them? It wasn’t like thinking you were a witch got you arrested these days.

  Nope! They can’t be witches.

  “Cordelia.”

  She looked over to see her mom waving from behind the van, a firm click heard as the back doors shut. Shaking away the crazy thought, Cordelia crossed over to the van. “The yogurt is amazing, Yia Yia.”

  * * *

  They stopped twice more, one pce for paper products and the other for beverages, before heading back to the resort. Like the other two stops, it was picking up pre-ordered items, therefore a quick in-and-out. Yet, at both stops, there were people whose voices lowered as they walked past. A clerk, stocking the shelves, kept looking at them until he knocked over the cans he was organizing. A couple whispered together, gncing in their direction several times. Every time, the looks followed her grandmother.

  Maria didn’t seem to notice, going about her business, her steps light and a smile radiating. Silka, as well, went on as if nothing was amiss, but Cordelia found it all strange. Was this life in a small town? If you could call Beaufort a small town. The whispered conversation from the yogurt shop rose, particurly the part about her grandparents being witches. Did everyone in town believe that? Hector mentioned gossip about her grandparents keeping to themselves, but he hadn’t mentioned witches.

  As they pulled up to the resort, going around the circur drive, her grandfather was there as well as Kai, and they had a cart ready to haul in the supplies. Her grandmother stopped the van in front of them, pulling on the parking brake. Cordelia slid open the side door and jumped out to help. But seeing her grandfather with the back doors already open, and with Kai on the opposite side, it was clear they didn’t need it. She leaned against the door, waiting to see what to do next.

  Her grandfather threw out instructions to Kai about proper box stacking, but Cordelia’s attention was drawn away to further up the entrance drive. A sleek bck Aston Martin was driving up; the bright afternoon sun catching it, making it gleam as it rolled toward them, until it slowly eased in behind them. The tinted windows made it impossible to see who was inside, though it appeared to be a single person.

  A well-dressed man stepped out with barely contained excitement. He looked past the three of them standing there at something on the other side.

  “Silka!” he called out as he raised his arm in greeting.

  “Warren!” her mother replied, jogging over to see him. He held out his arms and grabbed her in a tight hug as she ughed.

  Cordelia frowned.

  “I can’t believe you are here,” Warren said as he held Silka at arm’s length, appraising her with his eyes. “You look amazing.”

  And Cordelia heard his emphasis on amazing.

  A rosy glow moved up her mother’s neck into her face; a small giggle escaped. Was her mother flirting with that man? There was no doubt that the man was flirting with her mother as he looked down warmly at her. He was a handsome man, standing over six feet tall with short, blonde hair that was waved back on his head, strong cheekbones, and a square jawline. He was neatly dressed in tan scks, a blue polo shirt and brown loafers. Clearly, he had money.

  “You look well yourself,” Silka said, a grin splitting her face as she dropped her hands from his arms. Her mother stepped away from the man towards his car, saying, “You always did love the fshy cars.”

  Warren returned her smile as he fell in step behind Silka. Her mother seemed genuinely interested in the car. Since when did her mother care about cars?

  “Can you get that st box, Cordelia?” She jumped at hearing her name and looked over at her grandfather. The squeak of wheels from the cart helped her locate him heading towards the side entrance of the hotel. Kai had also moved around her, as she had stood there staring at her mother, and he was headed in the same direction, his arms full with two boxes.

  “Sure,” she replied to her grandfather, looking back over to her mother, who was now standing at the rear of the car next to Warren. She caught her mother’s eye. Silka gave a small wave before leaning slightly toward the man to say something to him. He smiled at Silka and then looked at Cordelia, lifting his arm in a simir gesture. Cordelia didn’t wave back; instead, her gaze sharpened, jaw tight.

  Her mother’s eyes narrowed in disapproval.

  Pulling away from the battle, she took two steps to the back of the van and grabbed the st box that was sitting there. It was a small box, and it didn’t weigh much, so she could take it with one hand. As she lifted it out, she looked up and noticed that her grandmother had gotten back into the van and was waiting for her.

  “Can you shut the door? I’ll drive the van back to the garage, then meet you inside to help unload all the food.”

  Nodding, she reached over and closed the doors of the van with her free hand. As she turned to head to the resort, she saw that her mother and the man walked close together toward the reception area of the hotel. His hand brushed Silka’s back as they went around the corner.

  A sour taste rose in Cordelia’s throat, burning through her, fshes of them smiling at each other. Where was her father?

  * * *

  For the second time, Cordelia didn’t see her mother for the rest of the day. Once they’d unloaded the boxes, she and Kai helped her grandparents put away the supplies and do some basic prep for the evening meal, which involved chicken and fish. Afterwards, they headed to the cottage to work on school assignments, which had taken them until 5pm. When Cordelia finally told Kai they had completed everything that was due, he jumped up to go watch TV.

  She distracted herself with videos until she noticed it was 5:40pm. Pushing up from the bed, she leaned out the bedroom door. “Kai - we need to head to dinner in ten minutes. Change your clothes.”

  He grumbled but came to get dressed. Cordelia used the bathroom to do the same. They waited for a few minutes in the front living room, assuming their mother would arrive as she had yesterday. Hearing ughter in the distance, Cordelia stood. “Let’s go.”

  Kai bounded out the door; Cordelia dragged her feet.

  As they arrived, guests were milling around the patio that was just outside the dining area. Light jazz notes flowed around them, and Cordelia saw a few people ordering drinks from the bar. The group had a web and flow about them; a comfort level that spoke of years of simir events. A burst of ughter would bring smiles to others. They stood in close groups, often with arms around each other.

  Cordelia looked around for her mother, listening for her voice or the bob of her curly head. Following closely behind Kai as he went around to the entrance, she caught sight of guests in the lobby taking advantage of the comfortable couches. A few stood admiring the fish tank; the brownish-red lobster looked anxious. Walking into the dining room, Cordelia spotted her mother with the couple from yesterday, along with another woman, and then the man, Warren, from earlier that day.

  At some point, her mother must have slipped down to the cottage, as she was wearing a fitted white floral dress with a fred skirt. How had they missed her?

  Her mother and the new woman had their arms around each other, heads tipped close as they ughed together. Just as she had noticed with the others, her mother fit. She belonged here. For the first time in a week, her mother was rexed, a lightness in her smile.

  Cordelia swallowed. It wasn’t just that her mother fit in here. It hurt that she seemed so comfortable without them. Deciding it was time to find out why her mother had disappeared on them all day, she took a step towards her.

  “Cordelia . . . can you help me arrange the food?” came the call from her grandmother.

  Cordelia swung her head in the direction of her grandmother’s voice. Dressed up once again, this time in a light tan ce dress with a brown underdress and her hair twisted up. Her grandmother made a picture of a perfect hostess. She was arranging food on a buffet-style table, moving trays slightly to improve the presentation.

  As Cordelia neared, Maria gave her a hopeful look. “Sure, Yia Yia, but can you give me a minute to talk to Mom?”

  “It will only take a few minutes to grab the trays from the kitchen. I have most of the food already out here.”

  Sighing, she headed to the kitchen to grab the food. I’ll find Mom afterwards. It turned out there were more than a few trays, but in short order, they had it nicely arranged on the table. Without any announcement, people lined up to fill their ptes. The guests chatted with her grandparents, who kept the line flowing. With the surrounding crowd and her grandparents’ obvious need for help, Cordelia assumed her mother would join them, and then she could talk to her. Minutes ticked by, and still her mother stayed chatting with the group; a few others had joined their circle.

  Her grandfather signalled that the fish was running low, so she went to the kitchen to get another tray from the oven, where it was kept warm.

  When she came out, she saw her mother with a pte of food walking away with Warren next to her. Cordelia stared in shock as her mom leaned close to say something to him. Warren dipped down to catch the whisper and smiled as she talked. At no point did her mother even gnce Cordelia’s way. Instead, she flirted as if she were young again, with no responsibilities.

  “Cordelia?” her grandfather questioned, meeting her eyes, gesturing for the tray. She took it over to him, watching without really seeing as he switched it out and handed the empty one to her. Picking up another tray that she saw was empty, she headed back to the kitchen, shoulders curling in as she admitted she’d have to wait until tonight to speak to her mother.

  It didn’t seem long until the flurry of movement around the buffet table slowed. Plenty of food still graced the table, and so their grandparents prompted them to grab ptes.

  “You can eat in the kitchen,” her grandmother said to her unspoken question. Cordelia was gd that she didn’t have to sit at a table with people she didn’t know, and looking around the room, it was clear there was nowhere to sit anyway.

  The kitchen was sterile, white walls and silver cabinets made up the space, with a four-seat white table tucked in the corner. Kai helped stack items to the side to clear up two pces before they sat. Without their family, they ate while they watched their phones, something not allowed normally. Cordelia looked up occasionally when a rather loud ugh came from the dining room or when the voices rose, wondering what was going on outside the kitchen doors. The chatter only made her wish for her grandfather’s familiar voice starting the dinner debate. She stared at the food on her pte as it blurred in front of her. Yet another reason to be angry with her mother.

  Bored with her phone, she began to think about what she might say to her mother. Branches of conversation streaked through her mind, which scattered when Hector walked into the kitchen with a tray full of ptes and headed over to the counter to deposit them. He looked much as he had the other day, although some of his hair curled on his forehead, giving him a carefree look. He wore a bck button-up, short-sleeved shirt with bck jeans and matching tennis shoes. She liked him in bck; it looked good on him.

  Watching as he unloaded his tray, he seemed at home in this kitchen, putting dishes into the dishwasher or the sink. Cordelia thought she and Kai might be hidden until Hector swung to look over at them, catching her eye before she could look away. Pink flushed her face. Still, the unease she’d had most of the day lowered at his familiar face. Even if they’d only spoken once, he’d been nice, and she could focus on that rather than the anger at her mother.

  Feeling his eyes on her and hearing his footfalls getting closer, she looked up and asked, “What are you doing here?”

  He gave her a strange look. Then it dawned on her. Of course, he was working. Why else would he be clearing dishes? She was an idiot.

  “Your grandfather hires help to clean up after rge events. It’s good money.”

  She smiled, thinking how nice of him not to tease her about her stupid question.

  “I’m Kai,” her brother piped in before she could respond. He had also stood up and stuck out his hand.

  “I’m Hector,” he said, grasping Kai’s hand. “I work for your grandpa.”

  “Do you like it?”

  Hector ughed, “Just like your sister, I see.” Before he could say more, two other people entered the kitchen with stacks of dishes. They looked at him, one with a stern frown, before heading over to the sink area. “That is my cue to get back to work. Maybe I’ll have some time to chat ter.” This st part, he said, looking directly at her.

  Please! she silently wished, looking at what remained to eat on her pte.

  Finishing her dinner, she excused herself, saying she needed to use the restroom, not that Kai cared, as he didn’t even look up. To pass some time, she decided to eavesdrop on the guests. The walk to the bathroom was uneventful, as most of the guests were in the dining room or on the patio. She needed a way to get closer to where everyone sat talking.

  On the way back, the light bounced off empty gsses at a few of the tables. Easing up to one of the tables, staying in the shadows, she caught an odd question: “Anyone been in the water yet?”

  “Hanson was heading out. I think he used it as an excuse to avoid dancing with Agnes.” The table ughed.

  Conversation trailed off upon seeing her. She cleared her throat, stepping closer. “I thought I’d take away these gsses.”

  “Thanks.” The woman across from where Cordelia stood held out one gss and then another. Cordelia took both. “Dave is still using his,” a man nodded.

  She took another gss from a table near the kitchen to complete her cover, but didn’t see any other way to listen in on the guests. Disappointed, she pushed through the kitchen doors. It did seem strange that some of them pnned to go swimming. She guessed it made sense since it was almost May and the water was warmer. But wasn’t that a little dangerous at night?

  Handing the gsses to one of the staff working at the sink, she headed back to sit with Kai and read her phone. Hector came in and out, as did the others. Almost two hours ter, the party was still in full swing, but dinner was over, dessert had been served, and the kitchen was rather clean.

  Not once had her mother or her grandparents checked on them. The tightness in her chest had eased, repced by a simmering anger. Maybe if she could have distracted herself by talking to Hector, the wildfire inside would have cooled. But she had waited hours hoping he’d have time, only to have cleanup take longer than he thought. He rushed to say goodbye, as his mom was waiting to take him home, he expined before heading off.

  “Ready to go back to the cottage?” Cordelia heard her mother ask from the kitchen door. Silka sparkled with happiness, an excited fire in her eyes and softness about her mouth. It was clear that she’d been having a good time.

  “Mom! Where were you?” Kai asked, jumping up to run to her.

  She pulled him into a hug, “Having dinner with some old friends. Did you two have fun?”

  “We helped Yia Yia serve dinner, but then ate by ourselves in the kitchen.”

  Silka released him and pced her hand gently on his head. “That was good of you both to help your grandparents.” She looked over at Cordelia as she said this.

  “I met Hector,” Kai informed her enthusiastically.

  “Hector?” Silka looked down at him questioningly.

  “He helped with the dishes.”

  “Ah,” Silka acknowledged with a nod. “Sorry, we all got busy with the guests. Hope it wasn’t too hard being by yourself?”

  Kai shook his head.

  Noise came again from the dining room. “This party will go on well into the night. Why don’t I walk you both back to the cottage, and you can watch another movie or read?”

  “Movie,” Kai voted, rushing back to the table to grab his phone. Cordelia stood up, a heaviness pulling at her legs, as she walked toward her mother. She wanted to vent. More importantly, she wanted an apology.

  “Can I call Dad?” Cordelia blurted.

  Silka looked at her, a frown creasing her forehead. “Cordelia . . . you know, he said we have to stay out of contact. With him. With anyone back in Ohio.” Her voice lowered, “What’s going on?”

  “I can’t take it here anymore,” Cordelia hissed to her mother, gncing at the door, not wanting anyone outside to hear her. Especially not her grandparents.

  Silka studied her. “I thought you were getting along with your grandparents. I know they are enjoying getting to know you.”

  “That’s not the problem. You know that,” Cordelia’s voice rose. Then, a calming breath. “Or did you forget what I said st night?” Blue eyes met blue eyes as she threw out the question.

  Rather than answer, Silka held the door open for the two of them, her lips a straight line. Cordelia gave her mother another gre and pushed past her. Only a few guests lingered at the tables while most were outside listening to the music. Some danced. Cordelia had more to say, letting the words build inside her for the time when they would be out of earshot of the guests. They walked in silence until someone called out, “Silka - you are coming back, right?”

  Halting, Cordelia looked back at her mother, curious about the response.

  Silka had turned toward the voice that called out to her, a carefree expression on her face. “Of course,” was said with a chuckle. “I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

  Cordelia clenched her teeth, trying hard not to stomp out of the resort, as she started walking again. The coolness of the night did nothing to dampen her rage. Her brother’s chatter about fishing that morning and making dinner tonight drifted to her. It was interspersed with her mother’s carefree ughter and occasional questions. She ignored both of them, no longer bothering to soften the hard clicks of her shoes.

  Inside, the questions screamed for answers. But what was the point of asking? Unlike in the past, expnations were no longer shared. Besides, her mother had to get back to her friends. Thus, once inside the cottage, she headed straight for her room.

  “Don’t you want to watch a movie?” Kai called out to her.

  “I’m going to bed,” she grumbled. She grabbed at the door as she walked in, intending to sm it with everything she had. It hit with a bump.

  “Cordelia.” She stopped on hearing her name, swinging around. “Is this about not being able to call your father? Or are you still upset about me spending time with my friends?”

  “Are you serious?” she said, leaning forward slightly as if punched.

  Silka sighed softly, “I can’t possibly think of anything that might have happened that is making you so angry.”

  “Being abandoned all day. Including at dinner,” she snapped.

  “Your grandparents needed help to get ready for this busy weekend. Then all of these old friends showed up out of nowhere. I just wanted some time to visit with them. Is that too much to ask? Don’t I get to have some time to myself?”

  “You didn’t tell us any of that,” Cordelia said, her voice shaking. “Didn’t even check on us once.”

  Silka paused, looking down. Then she lifted her eyes, “Good point. I should have checked in. I got too caught up in old times.” She exhaled, “But I didn’t abandon you. I knew what you were doing all day. You’re old enough to take care of chores and schoolwork.”

  “But we didn’t know where you were?” Cordelia felt tears gather in her eyes, her words wavering. The hurt she’d been trying to hold back cwed at her to strike out.

  Silka’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” She stepped forward, taking Cordelia into her arms.

  Cordelia stiffened, but her mother’s touch melted some of the bitterness, yet she kept her arms to her sides.

  “With everything that has happened this week,” Silka murmured into her hair, “I should have realized how it would look. Particurly after st night.” Silka pulled back, searching Cordelia’s face. “Neither your father nor I have abandoned you. We never would.”

  Her head dropped against her mother’s chest. More than anything, she wanted this ache inside gone.

  “You’re getting older, Cordelia,” Silka continued. “That means more time on your own. More independence. But it doesn’t mean you’re alone.”

  She squeezed her eyes tight. “It wasn’t because I couldn’t take care of things. Or that I had to.” Her voice cracked. “It just felt like you didn’t care.”

  “I care.” Silka grasped her tighter against her chest.

  A beat of their hearts then two, until Cordelia finally slid her arms around her mother’s waist.

  “I knew everything was fine.” Silka went on. Cordelia’s shoulders began to stiffen again. “But you’re right. I need to let you know where I am. This whole situation is unexpected for all of us, more so for both you and Kai.”

  Cordelia nodded as a tear, and then two, fell.

  Her mother pulled back, holding her at arm’s length. Searching her face once again. “Are you going to be alright?”

  Would she? Cordelia gnced away. Her mother’s spine straightened at the movement. Silka reached out to brush away a tear on Cordelia’s cheek.

  “I’ll try,” Cordelia said, her voice dry.

  A buzz came from her mother’s jacket pocket; both took a step back. Silka pulled the phone out, reading the front screen. “I need to get back to the party.”

  Cordelia couldn’t conceal her frown.

  “I’m sorry. They are only here for two more days.” Silka sighed, “It’s been fifteen years. I’ve missed them, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about you or your brother.”

  A jolt of anger returned, and rather than start the argument again, she turned, moving over to the dresser. Wrenching open the drawer, she grabbed a pair of sweatpants.

  Hearing her mother’s inhaled breath, Silka went on, “I’ll be there until about 11pm. Watch a movie, or read, or sleep. There are drinks in the fridge and a few snacks in the cupboard.”

  The pause had Cordelia looking toward the door. “It’s the weekend, so rex.” Her mother’s reassuring smile begged for a response.

  Instead, she turned back to the drawer to find a shirt.

  A sigh drifted to her as footsteps headed away from her room, followed by mumbled voices. She vowed that if her mother wasn’t back at 11pm tonight, she’d go find her.