"Goodness, my young lady," she says. "Goodness, how I missed you." She grasps my face.

"I missed you, as well. I'm so sad about—"

"Stop. You don't have anything to be sad for."

"You lost your activity as a result of me."

She shrugs. "I got another. Furthermore, it's you that I miss."

"I miss you, as well."

"Your mom did what she needed to do."

I would prefer not to consider my mother. So I glance around for Olly, who's remaining off out yonder.