Ma sounds distracted. There’s something else on her mind. “Mimi, how would you like to join us on the Philadelphia trip with Kayla?”

“SO,

what’s happening with Philadelphia?” Mimi asks Kayla, when they sit down to study that evening.

Kayla shrugs. “I don’t know. Ma and Ta are discussing it. I’m sure they will inform me of their decision at the earliest opportunity.”

“Do you actually want to go?” Mimi asks, curious despite herself.

Kayla looks blank. “Want to? I suppose so, yes, although travelling to a strange place to compete against 19 other contestants may be a rather lonely experience.”

Mimi blinks. Kayla cares about lonely?

“But it is irrelevant as of now, and we’re wasting valuable study time,” Kayla says, tapping Mimi’s open textbook. “And finals are beginning shortly, so we really cannot afford to waste time.”

Finals. It’s a rock in her stomach.

Mimi sighs, leans forward, and forces her mind to focus.

Two full hours of studying; she deserves a break. And Tzippy’s calling; perfect timing.

Mimi unwraps a chocolate bar and settles onto her bed, cross-legged.

“Someone should abolish finals one of these days,” she announces into the phone.

“And a wonderful evening to you, too, dear,” Tzippy chirps back.