Lyra's POV

“So you hit the switch, and then the light turns on,” my mother’s voice rang in my ears, warm and full of wonder. “Isn’t that magical?”

“Yes, Mom,” a young girl giggled. “But basic physics says it’s just science, like some weird man sitting at a desk, scratching his bald head with a pencil, and then, bam! The idea pops up!”

My mother laughed, a hearty, melodic sound I could never forget. “Aren’t you the cutest thing ever?” She ruffled my brown hair. “Well, you’re right. It’s science.”

"Yes!" I clapped, bouncing on my toes.

She smiled, watching me with pride. “You’re a brilliant girl, and that’s why,...