II
On my sixteenth nameday, the day I was considered a full-fledged adult, both my family and Victoria surprised me. The spring had finally melted the last of the winter’s snow, and Lorelyn’s flowers were blooming in sporadic patches along the roads. The aromas of breakfast dragged me from sleep and I slipped on my trousers before going into the kitchen.
“That smells delicious,” I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“Cyprus, I should have told you…” My mother was trying not to laugh, and I didn’t understand why.
Victoria cleared her throat. I jumped in surprise- I didn’t expect her so early if at all. I slowly realized I hadn’t bothered to find a shirt. She focused on her cup of tea, but I caught the quick dart of her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Victoria, I didn’t think—” I could feel the
