“And again I ask,” Kat said to Amala, “why you would ask me that? Why would you think that?”

“I’m your sister,” Amala said. “There are a number of reasons I just feel that something isn’t right, Paulina’s extra sense being one of them.”

“Is that why you came home early? Paulina’s extra sense?” Kat sounded mildly angry, which Amala saw as another sign that she was attempting to hide something.

“Mother wrote and asked if we might come home earlier than planned. She said nothing about a problem, but her request did make me wonder if something was wrong. Paulina sensed that there was. So here we are. In spite of my absence, I am a part of this family, and I know when something isn’t right. And I know you better than anyone. I know you’re married now, but I’m your sister, and we have been together practically our entire lives. So talk to me.”

Kat looked toward the wall in a way that clearly indicated she didn’t want to look at—or talk to—either one of them. In a slightly huffy voice she said, “I just don’t want anyone making a fuss. I’m certain it’s nothing to worry about.”

Amala was startled not only by how quickly Henry retorted but by his mildly angry tone of voice. “I don’t know if this is some kind of misguided bravery or if you’re just not facing up to the truth. We’ve talked about this, Kat. Whether or not you truly believe it’s nothing to worry about, the rest of us are worried. Amala is your sister. She deserves to know the facts, and then she can decide whether or not she should be worried. Your pretending that everything is fine and normal will not make it so.”

Amala saw Kat squeeze her eyes closed as if to block out what Henry had just said. Amala exchanged a glance with Henry and saw something in his expression that she knew all too well. She felt a little nauseous herself as she reexamined the expression in his eyes when he turned to look at his wife. And sure enough, it was true. Henry’s heart was breaking. But there was more anger than sorrow in his voice when he said to Kat, “If you won’t tell her, I will.” Amala could easily sense that his anger was an attempt to cover his sorrow, but she knew him well enough to see the truth.

Kat sighed and opened her eyes, but she didn’t look at either of them as she said, “I’ve had a little bump for a long time, and it’s gotten a bit bigger.”