The Zenith

Part 1

Private Network

-Griffen

It was the beginning of twilight when they got home. They'd succeeded without getting lost or using the Happy Tug.

Which was for the best.

If she hadn't done her daily steps, Mother would've been upset.

Kate was more grateful when, to her surprise, she found the car in the driveway.

Inside they were met by her mother waiting at a couch, arms crossed.

"Mom?" Kate asked, incredulous. Then panic set in, "Mom? Something happen at work?"

Their mother sighed and got up.

"No, child, not in the way your face suggested. But yes, something happened. I've been invited out."

"That's great, I'll look after Grif-"

"Hold it! I wasn't finished. What I've been invited to is a family event and that means when I said yes, we said yes. Do you get it?"

Kate's heart sunk.

"This a money thing?" Kate asked.

"As if I'd waste my time with anything else."

"When mom?" Kate sighed.

"Right now. I've been going through your outfits. I think I got what works"

Her mother produced a pile of folded clothes, hers!

Kate should have felt violated, but her shit had yet to be unpacked. What could she have violated? But the urge was still there.

After swallowing hard, "Where are we going?"