“The Doom Statues” — Chapter 29

Kay happens to be hanging out in the library, taking a break with a cup of tea, when her parents arrive for the tour. They made no appointment, at least none that she’s aware of, but they have brought Noah, whom Kay is genuinely overjoyed to see. They’ve spoken on the phone a handful of times, but he hasn’t exactly been talkative during these occasions. Then again, the whole situation, she would be the first to admit, is more than a little awkward.

But her folks are seemingly in much calmer spirits than usual today, not to mention genuinely somewhat curious about this place. Or something to that effect — though dutifully traipsing along for the entirety of this tour with Grace, and, she has heard, taking photos, asking some questions here and there, whenever Kay spots either of them, they’re both wearing these weird expressions. Her mother’s aura is the brisk, harried, I’m-going-to-deal-with-this-nasty-piece-of-business energy that is singular somehow to a certain brand of determined grandma. And meanwhile her father shuffles a step or two behind, arms crossed or hands in pockets, with a bemused, vaguely disbelieving smirk.

They do ask to see some of her work, however, which is something, during a moment where they’ve reached that third story work room. Lips pursed, they nod and say hmm, seeming to approve, or if nothing else to appreciate that she hasn’t just…