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Tully frowned This wasn't hoas supposed to happen Her ed her or kissed her or asked how she was And everyone knew you were supposed to pack a suitcase to leave She pointed at her bedroom door "My stuff—"

"You don't need that materialistic shit, Tallulah "

"Huh?" Tully didn't understand

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Gran pulled her into a hug that smelled sweetly familiar, of talcum powder and hair spray These were the only ared Tully, this was the only person who'd ever made her feel safe, and suddenly she was afraid "Gran?" she said pulling back "What's happening?"

"You're co out to the doorframe to steady herself

Her grandave her a little shake "You know our phone nuet scared or so, quiet grand on? What had she done wrong already?

"I'm sorry, Gran, I—"

Mo her hard "Don't ever say you're sorry It makes you look pathetic Come on " She took Tully's hand and pulled her toward the door

Tully stu behind her mother, out of the house and down the steps and across the street to a rusted VW bus that had plastic flower decals all over it and a giant yellow peace symbol painted on the side

The door opened; thick gray sh the haze she saw three people in the van A black e afro and a red headband was in the driver's seat In the back was a woed vest and striped pants, with a brown kerchief over her blond hair; beside her sat acovered the van floor; a few pipes lay scattered about, ht-track tapes

"This is my kid, Tallulah," Mom said

Tully didn't say anything, but she hated to be called Tallulah She'd tell her mommy that later, when they were alone

"Far out," someone said

"She looks just like you, Dot It blows my mind "