Where are you going during a toast?” “Nowhere, Mom,” I said, clearly enough to carry.

“I just have a little presentation to show everyone.”

Chapter 8 — Turn On the Light

I aimed the remote at the ceiling console and pressed the button.

The lights dimmed to a low theatrical glow and the motorized screen descended from its recess, waking to life.

The default screensaver flashed up first — a family portrait from last Thanksgiving, Warner grinning at the center, Adelina clutching his arm like a trophy, me at the far outer edge with a faded smile.