Kaylee had already changed and was ready for her sister. I was impressed how easily she could alter her façade and act as if nothing unusual happened. Melissa invited me to tag along with them for the day, but I declined on, uh, account of not feeling well. They left shortly thereafter and I stayed at home in peace.

As my nerves settled, I tried to take stock of the day's events. I was angry that I had given in. If it wasn't for that fortuitous neighbor, I was sure I'd have lost it. I *had* lost it… I imagined Kaylee taking me all in, riding me there on the...