They were barely past a half hour into the movie Elliott had chosen before Tanya spoke. "Elliott, I just can't get into watching anything tonight. I think I'll just go up to my room and read. Do you mind, sweetheart?"

Elliott realized the visit from the three bullies was playing on his mother's mind just as much as his. "No, that's okay. I'm not into it either. I think I'll just go on my computer for a while."

"All right, good," Tanya said as she got up from the couch. "It'll be an early night for both of us."

Elliott turned the lights out and followed his mother upstairs. The...