Eileen was sitting in the living room playing with a spinning top. As Rafael glanced up, she looked at him and smiled faintly.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "I'll ask her."

"Good." Mr. Kalmien sighed in relief, then hung up the phone and returned to the living room.

Joyce's parents stood up anxiously and asked, "Gordon, how did it go?"

"I asked him to talk to Eileen."

But Joyce's parents didn't seem relieved; instead, they looked worried. "Gordon, we're truly sorry. Joyce had no idea such a thing would happen."

Mr. Kalmien waved his hand. "Let's not dwell on it. Thankfully, Eileen and Raf are unharmed."

With Mr. Kalmien's words,...