Claire's POV

Although I was apprehensive about aunt Emily's reaction to seeing me all of a sudden at her doorstep, she welcomed me with open arms. I ran into them, and broke down completely, unable to stop the teardrops cascading down my cheeks. "It's such a pleasant surprise, my dear! I almost thought you had forgotten me."

"No, aunt Emily, you're my favorite. I wanted to see you so badly that this time I didn't wait for mom and dad to bring me here." I lied but aunt Emily just wiped my tears away gently and led me inside. She knew me well and I could see that she had...