ALLIED When I’d arrived home, I managed to get past Dom and Jeffery noticing me before I could scurry upstairs to my bedroom. It was not until the next day after lunch when Jeffery sought me out. I assumed they had figured out that last night didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped since I’d been hibernating all morning. I was still in bed, lying low under the covers, when a soft tap came at my door. I bit my lip, reluctant to answer. I knew stalling would only delay the inevitable. Giving in to a recalcitrant sigh, I groaned, “Come in.” I didn’t really feel much for talking. Setting aside my foul mood, I owed them a reassurance I was still alive and fine as one could expect under the circumstances. The door opened slightly, and Jeffery’s head peeked inside. “Is it safe for me to come in?” he

