***

The day went on smoothly. After aunt Christina had gone outside looking for a certain Rob, she returned minutes after, looking less panicked. I wondered why.

~

We watched TV for a very long time while aunt Christina cooked. I was okay with watching only TV because the cartoons were interesting and plus, I could stay with Heather. We were secretly holding each others' hand throughout, without Sawyer or Aunt Christina seeing.

At around four PM, after we'd eaten and returned to our TV, uncle Ken to our surprise came into the house. He was with three other men who were his friends. He looked at me.

"Hey Sheridan,...