"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.

"Step over the fire, ward off

entered the house, Grandma gave him a set of new clothes.

went to take his bath, Claire gathered the family in the living room, and her

her voice slightly hoarse, "Mom, Riley, as a daughter, as a sister,

breath, her eyes rimmed with red, and continued, "I think I've

approvingly. "Of course! I know you're

bitter smile, and her eyes were brimming with tears. "Mom, but I'm

herself for not providing a complete home, a carefree childhood, a

demanded, letting

were me in trouble today, would you sell the old house

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