Epona sat alone on a large couch, staring at the mantle. A brass clock in the center of it ticked with a mechanical indifference to her situation. A large herd of horse figures took up almost every available space around her in the room. She studied them, the various breeds and colors and poses, as she tried to to ignore the sounds of her mother and grandmother arguing in the kitchen.

“I can’t believe you actually think being here will help,” the voice of her grandmother argued.

“You should realize that I’d never bring her here to you if it wasn’t the only option left! Can’t you just do this one thing for me?” Her mother demanded.

“So, it’s all about you? I though this was about the girl?”

“You won’t take her, then?”

“I didn’t say that. But I didn’t even know her name until today. She needs someone who knows her. Not someone who’s essentially a stranger to her.”

“Stop acting like you know better than me! I can’t take care of her right now!”

“Well, Katherine, if you value my opinion so much why are you leaving the girl here with me?”