Well there was definitely no avoiding the subject at hand from her. Maddie had never struck him as dishonest or especially secretive, but he had to confess he was surprised that she quickly jumped into her concerns. He at least expected to exchange quiet pleasantries — not that he was complaining. He listened carefully, trying to figure out where she was going with this spiel. Had the lawyer come to tell her that someone else had died? She she was being whisked away from school before graduation to return to Russia? Why then would she wear a smile?

Perhaps he'd do best to remember his past actions and not jump to assumptions.

"Of course I remember," he responded. "What happened?"