nage such a large arrangement on her own.”

The air in the room shifted. She opened her mouth, then closed it.

Then, she let out a laugh. “Oh, well… I meant I did everything in spirit, of course.”

But nobody was listening anymore.

The damage was done.

Mom’s friend, Mrs. Benson said: “Your mother would be so proud of you, dear,” she muttered.

Later, as we were collecting the last of the memorial items, Doreen approached me. Her perfect makeup couldn’t conceal how strained her expression was.

“Emily, I—”

“Don’t,” I said quietly.

“Just don’t.”

She stood there quietly before turning and leaving without another word.