"Drew, I want to help you," Claire said softly, patting his shoulder.

Drew suddenly slapped himself twice across the face. "It's all my fault, all my fault..."

"Don't say that, Drew. It's not your fault." Claire grabbed his hand.

Camila turned from the passenger seat, sighing. "What's done is done. Crying won't bring the money back. Let's go home. Have a good meal. Get some sleep, and start fresh tomorrow." Drew nodded, and his shoulders still trembled.

When they arrived at Claire's doorstep, Grandma came out of the house with an iron basin. Inside it were cedar wood, red beans, and cinnabar.

She lit it with a match, and smoke began to rise from the basin.

"Drew, step over it," Grandma said softly.

Obediently, Drew lifted one foot and gently stepped over the basin.

off the bad luck, start anew, and

Grandma gave him a set of new clothes. "Go take a shower," she instructed.

bath, Claire gathered the family in the living room, and her

hoarse, "Mom, Riley, as a

eyes rimmed with red, and continued,

Claire's hand and nodded approvingly. "Of course! I know you're

bitter smile, and her eyes were brimming with tears.

always blamed herself for not providing a complete

suddenly demanded, letting go of Claire's hand with

"If it were me in trouble today, would you sell the old house to save

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