I sat up straight as a quiet knock sounded on the door again, my heart clenching hard with anticipation...and panic. Otto and I looked up as the door opened quietly, and Mother walked in. My gaze swept over her, shocked, and she exhaled, hesitating for a moment before shaking her head. My shoulders deflated as treacherous relief washed over me. Sarah wasn't here yet.
“I don't have the right words, Elena. I'm so sorry,” she said. She glanced at Otto and his girls before pressing her lips together for a moment. “I'm sorry your sister won't be here on this special day. Her day. I don't know what I did wrong, or what's gotten into her, but I sincerely hope she doesn't come to regret this in the near future.”
“Me too, Mother. Me too,” I murmured, mentally drained. What would happen once she r
