Amber crossed the room and opened the door. Bobby was pressing a wash cloth against his mouth, and she could see that he was bleeding. "Bobby, you're hurt. Let me see," she said, as she reached to pull the wash cloth aside.

"I'm okay. I think I gave Billy a black eye. He busted my lip. You've been crying. I am so sorry," he told her. He reached around her and gave her a hug.

They never hugged. Amber jumped reflexively when he touched her, then realized that he was trying to be kind to her, so she allowed him to put one arm around her as he continued to...