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.

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

busy morning,

but deliberately lingered outside

the highlight of her

she muster

her favorite meals greeted her. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were already seated at the table, Mrs. Davis even stood to take

regret washed over

the dinner

while, but she had

her excuses

late.

she noticed a drink already poured for her

conversation about Mark, but

slowly lowered, the tension

do the dishes, and though Shirley offered to help, her mother insisted, "Go rest in your room, your father and I

her room, hearing the door lock behind her. A sense of unease

close-her parents had left. Feeling a

her coat, the

beat, thinking it

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