As August continued musing about the remarkable place she found herself in, the absurdity of shopping for a formal gown in the midst of everything struck her, and she thought about her mother. About all the people she hadn't seen since running from Jonathan in the forest that day. She was secluded in a forest with mythical creatures shopping for a dress while her family—well, some of her family—was mourning her absence.
Her mom had to be beside herself in despair. Despite Alan, her and her mom had always been so close. They were more like sisters than mother and daughter. She felt tears start to sting her eyes—all of these emotions were made that much more difficult with Graeme now being gone. His presence always seemed to alleviate the turmoil that would swell, but now he was gone… August sucked in a breath and turned to Greta.
