The following afternoon, Trista walked home from the bus stop on lengths of sidewalk that were either partially shoveled, or containing permanent sheets of compacted ice. In a couple weeks they would hopefully thaw out as the vernal equinox occurs in March. She was used to this inconvenience year after year. Only when finally entering the house, dropping the school bag, and removing her coat and boots was the day finally over. The bus ride was anything but relaxing. And of course a lengthy walk through the Mapleview cold on hazardous sidewalks would be added. But now Trista wondered if there was a new variable that would further delay her time in finally relaxing for the day.
Would Daren be there? Would she have to put up with his unnecessary third-degree interrogations along with further
