I locate my older daughter lurking in her book-lined office clicking around something on her laptop screen. Cara sits on the rug by her feet, trying to decapitate a six-inch, pink elephant. Michael clatters with a hammer, installing another bookshelf where you'd not think there was the space for one.
"Charlotte, your mother's waiting for you."
Her eyes don't leave the screen. "Waiting? Why?"
"She's going shopping. Richard and Beth are ready to go."
She's still scrolling and clicking. "I told her I didn't want to come." ... I edge around to see what's holding her attention.
The Fellowship of the Ring... First Edition...
"I think she expects you to."
Jenny's eyes lift, green as a snake. "You mean, you've been sent to issue a summons?"
"That's about the size of it, yes."
Michael keeps a straight face, more or less, but Jenny's expression is sullen. "What kind of shopping?"
"Knowing your mother, probably clothes."