A Golden Sheen (2)

"What's going on, Mother?" Aoife asked, looking our mother in the eye. The older woman shook her head, then placed her knife and fork on her plate. 

"Kai," She said as she got up. "Walk with me." She glanced at Aoife. "Would you mind if we left the cleaning to you?"

My sister froze for a moment, then sighed and shook her head. "No, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you," Mother glanced at me, then headed out the door. I hesitated and glanced at Aoife for a split second, then rushed after Mother. What the hell was going on?

When I caught up to her, she was at the foot of the stairwell. She headed upstairs, gesturing me to follow her. I did so, until we arrived at the door of her room.

"How are the nightmares?" She asked as she opened the door and stepped inside. I remained by the door and shrugged. "They were fine yesterday – I only saw a couple and I can't remember them very well."