The StrifeThe woman I met with next had somehow heard of my adventures the day prior, because Inventor Call’s murder seemed all she wished to speak of.
But as the time went on, I managed to coax it from her that she felt furious I hadn’t attended her daughter’s debut, nor her engagement party, nor her wedding. I’d been drunk most of that time; to this day, I can’t recall receiving the invitations.
I don’t know if she forgave me, but at least she was in a better mood when I left.
I returned to my apartments, feeling drained, and had tea with Mary. Little Ariana now took halting steps, falling over as much as she walked. When she’d fall, Ariana would look to her mother.
Mary would smile and say, “Uh-oh!”
Then Ariana would laugh, and crawl to the coffee table. She’d get up, and try again
