On the weekend, there was no school.

Cynthia Wilson woke up naturally and dressed herself, thinking of asking her mother to help her with her hair.

Aunt Jones approached with a collection of colorful hair accessories and gently said, “Mommy is busy in the study, Cynthia. Let Aunt help you with your hair, okay?” Cynthia Wilson nodded.

After her hair was neatly done, she had breakfast and played for a while in her room. Then she scampered to the study.

She carefully peeked through the slightly open door. Though her movements were quiet, her father’s sharp ears caught them.

Her mother sat silently at the desk, not saying a word,...