Chapter 99

I rush to her and wrap my arms around her shoulders. She’s thinner than I remember but just as solid in presence. The familiar scent of her perfume, gardenia and something woodsy, floods my senses.

“Oh, oh, careful there, child,” she says, laughing. “Grandma’s not as strong as she was when you were throwing yourself at her.”

I release her with a sheepish smile. “Is this really you?”

“What? Is your