"I have to try," she said quietly, her fingers tightening around Neville's warm hand. The breeze was chilly. Bracing. Maybe it would keep her from crying. "She's my mother..."
She looked over at him again, and knew that it was useless to try. Maybe it wouldn't last long, at least... She wiped at her cheek. "I just really wish she'd give things a chance. Get to... get to know you. But she..." Mandy shook her head, one hand on her forehead. "She doesn't even want to meet you," she barely whispered. "And it's making me crazy..."