*Samantha*
I sat in my parked car for fifteen minutes, staring at my parents' driveway. Both vehicles occupied the driveway, and Mrs. Grace had just exited from the side, got into her car, and driven away. My phone displayed 6:15 PM, and my heart raced at the thought of what I was about to do.
"You can do it; you're not alone. You've got this." I pep-talked myself, even though I knew I was alone. Archer had offered his help or presence, but I had declined, claiming that it was about time I drove up to my parents' house, knocked, and demanded a conversation. Right? I had to deal with this alone, as a big and good girl would. I had gotten myself into quite a stunt. I took a deep breath, wiped my sweaty hands, exited the car with one last word of encouragement, and headed toward my parents
