Time to crash.

Mrs. Ormond, who'd been tossing and turning half the night, finally drifted off.

They didn't talk again till morning.

Normally, she'd sleep till noon, but worry dragged her out of bed early today, despite barely resting.

Downstairs, Elora was still out on her morning run, not back yet. Tatum was in the kitchen, whipping up breakfast for her and her two siblings like clockwork.

"Aunt!" Angelo piped up from the couch, where he'd been glued to the TV. He jumped up when he saw Mrs. Ormond. "Good morning!"

"Angelo, you're up early," she said. "Your brother still snoozing?"

"I hit the hay early last night, so I'm up now," he replied.

the remote, killed the TV, and added,

up so we can eat together. I'll ask Tatum

back!" Angelo didn't hesitate, darting

Alonzo, was spoiled rotten by

Waking him was a chore she struggled

soft on him. One whiny "five more minutes" and she'd cave every

and Tatum weren't around, Alonzo would be late for school, no question- buried under

Angelo bolted upstairs.

yelled, "Bro, get up! You're gonna be

slapped his hands over his ears, rolled over,

trip!" Angelo shouted. "If you don't haul ass Elora's gonna come back from her run and whoop your

did it-Tatum cooking and Elora home. Alonzo dropped his hands, sat up, and

Angelo grinned. "Get up, quick-I've got

at him, eyes gleaming with

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