Elara had called her mother the day before her wedding.

“Hello, Mom,” she said upon hearing her mother’s voice. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, Elara. How are you?” her mother asked. Elara could sense the unease in her voice.

“Is something wrong, Mother?” she asked.

“Nothing,” her mother replied, but Elara could tell she was lying.

“Is James there with you?” Elara inquired, thinking she could ask her brother what was wrong with their mother.

“No, he’s out with his friends.” James was a child full of life—friendly and with many friends, unlike Elara, who had just one friend, and she was out of town. “Why did you call? Do...