Twenty minutes later, Katelina and Jorick drove along a gravel road. Naked trees slipped past, their branches like interwoven spider webs. The only clear radio station was classical music, and with no lyrics to distract her, her thoughts turned to the impending visit.
Jorick tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. "You should listen to this more often, it's a much closer approximation to music." When she didn't reply he added, "For wanting to come on this lovely holiday, you're very sulky."
"I'm not sulking. I'm panicking."
"You're really that worried? Why? It's only your mother, and I'll be right there with you. Just stick to the stories we rehearsed and there won't be any problems. It's not as if she's one to focus. Just keep her distracted."
Katelina started to agree, then compreh
