"I'm not telling you to do anything, Susan," Annabelle says evenly. Not yet, anyway.

She can't relate to this assinine logic; family had nothing to do with guarantees such as safety, stability or love. They were but tiny, brittle facets in the face of the universe's chaotic, moving web.

But of course, she's got the impression Susan won't understand. She catches glimpse of Lauren curling in on himself; his despair radiates.

She looks back at Susan. "I'm merely telling you the truth."