“The girl at the desk was typing on her computer, so I just walked right past her,” Sylvia said.

She smiled, a wide and smooth expression that did not reach her eyes.

“Look at this sweet angel,” Sylvia said, stepping toward the exam table.

“Rachel, you look utterly drained.

Both of you look ready to collapse.”

Ethan stood by the sink, clutching his paper coffee cup.

“Mom, you were supposed to wait outside,” Ethan said.

“Nonsense,” Sylvia said.