Josey sat beside her husband, Mr. Larkin, in their bedroom. She looked at him with worry in her eyes.

“Honey,” she said softly, “don’t you think you should slow down? You’ve been working too much again. I don’t want you to collapse like last time.”

Mr. Larkin smiled faintly. “I’m fine, Josey. I can’t just stop now. The company needs me.”

Before Josey could answer, the doorbell rang. She stood up. “Who could that be?” she said as she walked out.

When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Faye and Phillip standing there, both holding small gift bags.

“Good evening, Mother,” Faye said politely.

“Good evening,” Josey...