Chapter 40

• Lillian arrived at the family house just as the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the driveway. Her father, Mr. Alfred, was waiting at the door, his face etched with a mixture of relief and fear. He hurried down the steps to meet her, wrapping her in a tight embrace as soon as she stepped out of the cab.
• "Lillian," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Thank God you're here. I've been so worried."
• "I'm here now, Dad," Lillian replied, hugging him back. "We’ll get through this together."