Later at home, Ryder and her father argued some more, over politics, then over sports, but she could tell they enjoyed each other's company.

Christmas and family visit would be like this until death parted Ryder and her father.

The bedroom door opened, letting in a small stream of light. Soft footsteps sounded on the hardwood floor, only becoming muffled when they reached a pink shag rug. Those steps could be no one’s but Alecia's. Ryder half laughed to himself. He had not expected his timid girl to be so daring. But here she was. What could this mean? She lifted the sheets and slipped under them, resting her head...