““When Mrs. Casnoff saw us, she walked over to us. "Sophie," she said, her voice warmer than I'd ever heard it. "Happy birthday. It's good to see you." I actually believed he meant it, which was weird. Weirder still was the smile she gave me as she said, "I was just talking with several of the guests about your decision not to go through with the Removal. We're all so pleased." Great. Nothing better than my superpersonal decision being party chitchat. "Well,that's probably a first for you," I tried to joke. When she just looked confused, I clarified. "Being pleased with me." And then she completely freaked me out by laughing. Granted, it was a low, short laugh, but still.””
