YVONNE —

The next day

“Ammy,” I called her, waking her up from sleep. Ammy was a short word derived from her real name, Amanda. I usually call her that when I know she is stressed out, so she can feel I care for her just as she does for me and my kids.

She wailed, stretched her hand, rolled on the bed, and positioned herself to continue sleeping.

“Amy, wake up; this is five o’clock A.M., and you’re still sleeping,” I remarked.

Feeling disturbed, she hissed with dissatisfaction, “Who is that? What is it?” She yelled and opened her eyes.

With drowsiness filling her eyes, she gazed at me....