Chapter 66: Those People

It was after dark before my mother made it home. As soon as her lights brightened the side of the house I bounded to the door and wrenched it open. She didn't look surprised by the sudden greeting, but I didn't get a chance to say anything to her because Meira squealed and came running.

I slung her up into my arms and hugged her, noticing how big she was getting. And heavy.

"Syd!" She kissed me soundly on the cheek. "We had such a great day! I wish you'd come with us."

I glanced at my mother who simply met my gaze with a level look before gliding past me into the kitchen.

I set Meira down and followed her inside, trying to suppress my frustration for my sister's sake.

"What were you two up to?" If Mom wasn't willing to tell me, Meira certainly was.

"We went to see a bunch of the family," she said, toying with her hair. "Everyone had cookies. Everyone." She giggled and I understood her good mood. Chocolate. She was a hopeless addict. Like Gram. It made Meira super happy, but witho