Margaret, busy in the room with Dalton, noticed the sound of someone at the door. She knocked softly on the closet door. "Ms. Jent, Mrs. Jardin is back," she announced quietly.

Madelyn, alerted by Margaret's gentle warning, quickly got up, tucked her cellphone into the box, and hid it back in its secret spot. Zach, overhearing the faint murmur of voices, gently opened the door and stepped inside. He scanned the room carefully but did not immediately see Madelyn.

Margaret feigned surprise and said, "Oh! Ms. Jent is right in the walk-in closet, trying to pick out some clothes. She mentioned wanting to mix up her wardrobe with something new and lively."

Zach did not question Margaret's made-up story. He valued her support for Madelyn and did not think it was right to scold her. As he opened the closet door, he saw Madelyn stepping out, holding onto some old pajamas. However, it wasn't the pajamas that grabbed Zach's notice; it was Madelyn's eyes, red and swollen from crying. Concerned,