Porcupine Ridge All children, except one, grow up.

he was midway through an amicable nod when the name hit him like a smack in the face. everything else she said was lost. all he could do was stare at her and see her parents. one lost, one dead. both part of a past he'd irreparably ruined. 

a beat went by in silence before he came to his senses again, undoubtedly looking like a fool. ah, sorry, aditya muttered, eyes darting away. then back to her. god, shale, pema. his dear pal of yesteryear. 

you're padma morningside, right? he asked. no beating around the bush could save him now. i, ah. . .i was leader of that pack, once. your mother was one of the closest friends i've had.