I leaned in to hug her, and she stiffened, pressing herself back into the upholstery as if my touch might burn.

“It’s okay, Mom, I’m here. Happy birthday.” I reached for the top button of the stifling coat, thinking she must be overheating, delirious with fever.

“Let’s get this heavy thing off you, you’re inside—”

That was when she screamed, and her frail hands clamped around my wrists.

“No, no, no,” she chanted, her eyes darting toward the hallway where Vanessa’s footsteps had paused. “Don’t touch it. Please. Don’t let them see. Don’t tell Daniel I was afraid.”

I froze, my hands hovering over her collarbone, my mind struggling to keep up with the panic vibrating through her. Before I could speak, a voice boomed from the foyer.