Abner furrowed his brow, not particularly fond of Mr. and Mrs. Davis.

In Mrs. Davis's world, Mr. Davis was her everything.

And for Mr. Davis, it was all about maintaining his authority as the patriarch.

Neither had Shirley at the center of their universe. When Shirley finally realized this, it would break her heart.

"They didn't really invite me, did they?" Abner asked.

A flash of embarrassment crossed Shirley's face. The kid was too sharp for his own good sometimes.

Indeed, her parents were not keen on Abner and had specifically asked her to come alone tomorrow, emphasizing the point.

It was probably because they hadn't reached an agreement, thinking she was too stubborn, so they wanted a face-to-face discussion at home, just the three of them.

But Shirley, harboring a secret wish, had hoped to bring Abner along. Now, caught in the act, she could only offer a tight-lipped smile.

"I just wanted you to see where I grew up."

"I'll be there. I'll skip class tomorrow and try to come over early," Abner replied, earning a gentle ruffle of his hair from Shirley.

She had another reason for her insistence, rooted in unease.

stance felt like a solo battle, and only with Abner by her side did she feel

next day, after a busy morning, Shirley finally drove

early but deliberately lingered outside for an hour, as

home used to be the highlight of her day, but now it

did she muster

scent of her favorite meals greeted her. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were already seated at the

regret washed over

the dinner

a while, but she had

her excuses

late.

she noticed a drink already

Mark, but after finishing her drink, his name hadn't

slowly lowered, the tension easing away with

and though Shirley offered to help, her mother insisted, "Go rest in

further objection, Shirley retreated to her room, hearing the door lock behind her. A

door close-her parents had left. Feeling a sudden feverish heat, she realized something was

coat, the bathroom door swung open,

a beat, thinking

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