CHAPTER 9
Brandon's parents lived in a suburban neighborhood that felt almost rural, with pretty old homes set in large yards. Richard and Elizabeth owned a white two-story colonial with black shutters and huge sunflowers growing in the front yard.
At the sound of the doorbell, they both opened. “Brandon!” Elizabeth exclaimed, throwing her arms around her son.
“Hi, Mom,” he said. His voice sounded normal.
So painfully normal it could shatter any moment, Selene thought. “Umph. Hello, ma'am,” she said as Elizabeth released Brandon and hugged her. I'm not used to being hugged by near-strangers, but how sweet of her to want me to feel like part of the family, and how nice that I don't have to shake hands.
“Baseball?” Richard suggested as the older couple stepped aside to allow Brandon and
