Third-person’s POV:

Jojo had always been sheltered at home, unaccustomed to this situation. After drawing the curtains, she eagerly grasped Alice's arm, her heart still racing. "Alice, I finally understand why you want to escape from here. If I had such a stern and terrifying uncle, I'd be scarred for life. I understand, but you should talk to him about it."

Alice smiled wryly. "It's not entirely as you imagine. While Robert can be intimidating, he's tolerable overall, but..."

It was that feeling, the one she couldn't quite articulate, let alone express in words.

Jojo hesitated, still unable to voice her thoughts in Alice's presence. With her family involved in...