Miles made it to the hotel right in the middle of the birthday bash.

Frankly, he hadn't been keen on coming. Just the sight of Aunt Karen and Mr. Turner brought back memories he'd rather forget.

But after checking with his dad, Everett, who admitted he'd had a few drinks, Miles decided to drop everything, join the fun, and play chauffeur for the evening.

No sooner had he settled in and grabbed a bite than he noticed Aunt Karen's phone light up. She glanced at it and then excused herself, heading outside. Predictably, it was probably Felicity calling.

Given her penchant for sleeping in on weekends, it was just about the right time back in Anglonia for her to be waking up and dialing in.

Aunt Karen returned shortly, and then Mr. Turner excused himself.

While picking at his food, Miles overheard his sister, Aurora, whisper, "Aunt Karen, was that Felicity?"

"Yes, dear. She's caught the flu, been running a fever for days now. That's why she couldn't come back for Mr. Turner's birthday."

it serious?" Aurora sounded worried. "She's all by herself over there, isn't she? Should

not alone," Karen said with a reassuring smile, her voice a soft murmur, "Calvin's

wished his hearing wasn't quite so

words effortlessly found their way to him, dampening his appetite

remained seated, enduring the lengthy conversations that followed, waiting until Mr. Turner was visibly tipsy before the party finally

Dorothy having left earlier due to work, and Craig taking a very pregnant Abigail home early to avoid any risks, the night felt longer than usual.

at him, "Do I

of nowhere, asked, "You

wheel tighter, puzzled by the sudden

"Not since Abigail's wedding?"

"That's right."

a

son, "What was the real reason

said we weren't a good

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