Charlie smiled. "All is well. Aurous Hill is a safe place."

And with that, he introduced Yolden to his maternal grandparents, who were enthusiastic to learn that he was a classmate of Ashley's.

As the family invited Yolden to take his seat, Keith told his sons, "Be sure to make our guest feel at home—the professor was your sister's old friend, after all."

Then, turning to Yolden, he said, "Do drink more if you can, but feel free to refuse if you can't. We're not that strict with drinking around here."

Yolden could stomach his alcohol despite rarely drinking, and he did not hesitate to agree to drink with them, seeing that it was a pleasant evening for the Ackers.

Keith then turned to Charlie, "You drink too, boy. Just ask your aunt to drive you home later."

Charlie smiled. "It's alright, Gramps. Everyone on this hill is a friend—I'll ask Don Albert to send a car."

Keith laughed heartily. "Wonderful! I shall drink with you too!"

"Really?" Holly quickly interrupted. "Did you get