Chapter 11
“Ahem.”
A voice sounds above me, interrupting my much-needed snooze. Little by little, I force my eyes to open. Mom stands over my bed holding a thermos, moldy picture frame, and plastic bust of Albert Einstein.
That wakes me up, fast.
This must be a dream. After all, my mother is awake, alert, and holding objects over my bed. Plus, she’s even wearing one of her old lab coats from her researcher days. The frayed insignia of “United Americas” is still visible on her pocket protector. We’re not even supposed to say the name of the United Americas anymore, let alone save themed clothing.
At this moment, the words total panic pretty much sum up my life.
“What’s wrong, Mom? It’s—” I glance at my alarm clocks “—just after 4 am.”
“Nothing’s wrong, Meimi. I’m merely stopping by f
