The flowers caught Buffy's eye as soon as she walked through the door. A bright splash of colour, it brightened her mood just to look at them. Her mother's suitor obviously knew what he was doing. At least one of the Summers women was making good in the love department.

Buffy called to her mother, wanting to hear her take on this latest development. No one answered. Maybe she wasn't home?

She was in the living room - why hadn't she answered? Something wasn't right. Her mom was lying on the couch, eyes open, but blank and staring; her skin pale and drained, colourless.