“Abs is trying to care for her mother at home for as long as possible,” Riya continued. “But if the wrong people knew about her mother’s situation—if people wanted to hurt Abby—then they could have Mrs. Ward taken away. And Mrs. Ward wouldn’t survive it.” This wasn’t just an explanation. It was a warning. Riya’s soft eyes pleaded with her: don’t talk about this with too many people. Don’t put this into the wrong hands.
