CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE - "Remember When?": Nostalgia's Double-Edged Sword

Grandma Beatrice's eyes narrowed as she examined Ava from head to toe. "Hmph. You're too skinny. Don't they feed you in that big city? And what on earth are you wearing? Is that what passes for fashion these days?" Ava glanced down at her tailored slacks and blouse, an outfit that had felt perfectly appropriate on the train but now seemed woefully out of place amidst the casual chaos of the family gathering. "I came straight from work, Grandma," Ava explained, trying to keep the defensiveness out of her voice. "Work, work, work," Grandma Beatrice tsked. "That's all you young people think about these days. In my day, we knew the value of family and tradition." Before Ava could respond, she was nearly knocked off her feet by a blur of motion that resolved itself into her younger sister, Emma. "Ava!" Emma cried, throwing her arms around her. "Thank god you're here. You have to help me!" Ava hugged her sister back, alarm rising at the tears in Emma's eyes. "Emma? What's wrong?" Emma