The crowd in Los Angeles was electric. The Greek Theatre glowed under soft amber lights, and Stevie, draped in black chiffon with her signature shawl flowing behind her, was in rare form. Karen hovered nearby offstage as usual, keeping track of cues and keeping Stevie grounded between songs.Halfway through the set, Stevie stepped up to the mic, a knowing smile pulling at the corners of her mouth."I have a little surprise for you all tonight," she said, her voice purring over the mic like velvet.The crowd roared."There's someone very special here—someone I love very much. Someone who's been with me through everything. You might remember her..."The audience began catching on."She's backstage right now—my best friend, my former sister-in-law, my ride-or-die for more years than I care to count. Let's make some noise for Lori."The fans erupted, chanting *"Lori! Lori!"* with the kind of passion usually reserved for the encore.A few moments passed, and then from stage left, Lori appeared. Smiling, graceful, her curls pinned back, dressed in simple black, a warm spotlight catching the shimmer of her earrings. She walked over to Sharon's mic, waved, and leaned in."Hey, everyone," she said with a little breathless laugh. "You all sound amazing tonight."The cheers doubled."Sing!" someone yelled from the front. Then a whole wave of voices followed suit."Sing! Sing!"Stevie grinned and clapped. "That's a great idea," she said, locking eyes with Lori. "How long has it been since we've sung together onstage?"Lori stepped forward but hesitated. Her smile faltered."I would love to," she said into the mic, "but I... I don't think I can. Not tonight."Stevie's face fell visibly, the joy dimming just a little.Lori looked over apologetically. "My stomach's been killing me all evening. I really thought I'd be okay to sing, we've been planning this for months—but I don't think I can push through it."A few fans gasped softly. Stevie walked over, her voice soft, the disappointment clear but not unkind."Your health is more important. I'm not going to push you. You know that."Sharon came over too, gently placing an arm around Lori's shoulders.Someone in the crowd called out, "Feel better, Lori!"Lori gave a small wave and mouthed *thank you*, then turned and slowly walked offstage. The show resumed, but something in Stevie's performance carried a slightly more somber note.---
The Next Day – It was a slow, warm afternoon at Jessica's. Lori had arrived that morning, smiling, hugging her daughter, and happily settling in for a few days with Jessica her son in law alec and her six-year-old grandson, Roman.The morning passed with cartoons, snacks, and a few rounds of Go Fish. But by early afternoon, Lori's energy started to wane. She smiled through it, but it didn't go unnoticed."I think I'm gonna lay down for a bit," Lori said gently, rising from the couch and giving Roman a kiss on the head."You sure?" Jessica asked."I'm fine," Lori insisted. "Just a little tired."She disappeared into the guest room. Hours passed.Jessica started to worry. Lori *never* napped that long.She finally cracked the door open and peeked inside. Her mother was curled up, her hands clutched around her stomach."Mom?""I'm okay," Lori whispered. "Just a stomachache. I'll be alright."Jessica fetched some medication and coaxed her out of bed for dinner—Roman's favorite: tomato soup and grilled cheese."*yiayia*," Roman said sweetly, "can we watch a movie after?"Lori smiled. "Of course, sweetheart."They picked *The Secret Life of Pets a favorite of Roman's—and snuggled on the couch. Jessica quietly microwaved the homemade rice-filled heating pad and handed it to her mom, whispering, "For your stomach. Just so he doesn't worry."Lori tucked it under her sweater, grateful.After the movie, Roman was tucked into bed, and Jessica brought her mother some tea."How are you really feeling?"Lori sipped slowly and exhaled. "Better," she said softly. "For the first time in a while, I actually feel better."---**The Following Morning**Jessica was in the kitchen when her phone lit up—*Stevie*."Hey!" Jess greeted warmly."Hey, baby," Stevie said. "How's your mom?"Jessica paused. "She's good. Why?""She didn't tell you what happened at the show?"Jessica blinked. "What do you mean?""We planned a surprise. She was going to come on stage during 'Nightbird'—recreate the SNL moment. We'd been working on it for months."Jessica's heart dropped. "She didn't say anything. Just said she was glad to be here.""Well, she couldn't go through with it," Stevie replied. "Said her stomach hurt. But after the show she insisted she was fine and came to visit you. I just... I don't think she's being honest.""She *is* fine," Jessica snapped. "I'm with her. I'd know.""Jess—she *downplays things*. She always has. You know that."Jessica raised her voice. "You don't get to accuse her of faking wellness just because a surprise didn't go the way you planned!"Lori, coming down the hall, heard the tension. She entered quietly as Jessica shouted, "Aunt Stevie!"Lori stepped in, her expression calm but weary. Jessica caught sight of her and quickly ended the call. "I'm sorry. She had the *nerve* to say—""She's not wrong," Lori interrupted. "She's just... worried."Jessica furrowed her brow. "You mean you *were* downplaying it?"Lori nodded. "We'd been planning it for months, Jess. I was going to walk out, recreate 'Nightbird,' the whole thing. But my stomach—God, it just cramped up like a vice. I didn't want to let her down, but I knew I couldn't sing like that. And yes, after the show, I told her I was fine... because if I hadn't, she wouldn't have let me come here."Jessica stared at her, torn between concern and frustration."I *am* okay now," Lori said gently. "And I wanted to be here. With you. With Roman."Jessica sighed and hugged her mother tightly.---**Later That Morning**Jessica called Stevie back and explained everything—the pain, the downplaying, the surprise. Stevie was quiet for a moment, then sighed."Tell her I forgive her. And I'm sorry, too."Jessica smiled. "I will."She poured herself a cup of coffee and joined Lori outside on the patio, where the sun was warm but not harsh. Lori held her own mug, steam curling into the morning air.Jessica sat down. "So... the surprise. Think it's something you'd still want to do?"Lori tilted her head. "Maybe. But not in front of a thousand screaming fans next time."Jessica smirked. "We could do it on a soundstage. Film it. Drop it as a surprise online."Lori smiled thoughtfully. "I'll think about it.""And we'll talk to aunt Stevie?""Yeah," Lori said. "We'll talk to Stevie."They clinked coffee mugs in silent agreement as the sun rose just a little higher over the quiet morning.
