Mark, after wishing Dad a happy birthday and giving him the wrapped gift he had gotten for him, said a succinct goodbye to him and Mom, and we left. Dad's smile faltered repeatedly as he looked between Mark and me.

The ride home was fun. Mark had taken us home with the car that brought him and Bella.

Bored, I decided to taunt him. I placed my palm on my chest. "Poor Bella," I sighed, letting my shoulders droop as I turned to him. "How will she get home now that you've left with the car?"

He said nothing. His jaw remained clenched as he fixed his gaze outside the...