THE LIGHT BEAMED AGAINST HER thick black hair that hung in large curls all over her head. Pale skin, just beginning to wrinkle around the eyes and forehead, seemed especially gaunt in the harsh glow. Her lips were turned down in a frown so severe, it immediately communicated the depth and breadth of her displeasure.
Erik was right. They were going to die.
“Mom!” Erik walked toward Mrs. Wu. “What are you doing here?”
“I see the rumors are true,” Mrs. Wu said stiffly. She glared at Nelly who quaked in response.
“Hello.” Nelly bowed her head the way she’d seen Erik do in respect to his elders. “It’s good to see you.”
Instead of returning the greeting, Mrs. Wu spared her with a grimace. “Is there a reason you were indecently dancing with my son?”
“It wasn’t indecent, Mom.” Erik trotted t
