I reached into the last bag and took out a tall box of oatmeal.

“Can you hand me the big ceramic mug?” I asked.

“I want to make diner coffee.”

Lily reached into the upper cabinet next to the sink.

“Here you go, Mom.”

The word hung in the quiet kitchen.

Lily froze.

She dropped her hand to her side and stared straight down at the checked linoleum floor.