“Why isn’t my uncle back yet?”

“He’s at a business dinner. He won’t be back until midnight.”

Shawn’s younger sister was still in college. Now that it was winter break, she went traveling with her friends and would be back before the new year.

There was no one else at the house.

The aunt and niece took a seat on the sofa while Shawn sat beside the pair. He nervously stared at his mother.

“What do you want to talk to me about, Jas?”

“Aunt Rachel, I want to first put it out there that this is not Serenity’s fault. Please listen to what I have to say before getting mad. You can be mad at your son, but don’t take it out on Serenity.”

Jasmine had to first give her aunt a fair warning and assure Serenity’s safety.

“I won’t come over to your place if you take it out on Serenity, Aunt Rachel.”

Mrs. Lowe replied with a smile, “What is it? You make it sound so somber. Why would I take it out on Serenity? Serenity has been friends with you for years. I watched her grow up. She’s