ent smelled of fresh paint and new beginnings. This was it, the launching pad for her daughter, Emily. A safe spac

led with an excitement that made Sarah's heart

ter into a tight hug. "You've earned this. Straight A's, schol

er eyes wide. "Ashley is going to freak out

hts," Sarah said, trying to keep her tone neutr

er eyes, a flicker of something Sarah couldn't quite name, that kept her from fully trusting the girl. Still, she was Emily's best frien

peace lasted exa

a parts deal at the auto shop she manag

y?" Sarah asked, stepping away

swer was a

me. What's wrong?" Sa

sper, broken by gasps for air. "I don

mily, slow down. Te

ed up two days ago. They're sleeping on the floor, on my couch. They ate all my

o build in Sarah' s chest. "

my bed and just... watched me. He said creepy things. I was so scared. I loc

?" Sarah's voice w

y on campus. I was

the apartment. I'll call you

e a scene. Ashley's mo

art," Sarah said, her knuckles white as

t door. She could hear loud music and shouting from inside

furniture, empty takeout containers littered the coffee table, and three large, overflowing trash bags sat by the door. A woman with a hard face and messy b

voice cutting through the noi

arah up and down with disda

s the rent," Sarah said

nswer, Ashley came rushi

to clean up." She ran over to Sarah, her face a mask of frantic concern.

e brother. He smirked at her. "Yeah, your girl is

as the

three quick strides. Her hand came up and connected with the brother's face in a slap so

mmanded, her voice

er, stunned, a red handpr

id, g

e of shock and anger on his face.

uth," Sarah snarle

elled, looking at th

rted in rage. "You hit my son! Who do you think you ar

t behind her back. The woman shrieked in pain. The brother moved to int

aughter's apartment," Sarah said, h

arah's arm. "Please, Mrs. Mille

ties, the brother was hopping on one foot, and Ashley wa

e! Ope

partment, their faces grim as they took in the scene. One of them, a ta

what's goi

. As the woman stumbled away, nursing her arm, Sarah turned to

ey could hear. "You brought this into my daughter's life. This

eal. She looked at Sarah, her