As we returned to the house, Hailey was a ghostly shade, frantically stuffing clothes into her suitcase.
The sound of the door made her shriek in panic. She snatched the bag, ready to bolt, but Sam was quicker, holding her back.
"I messed up! Mom, Dad, please, I made a mistake. Sam, I need you!"
She sank to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, reaching out to her mother, who stepped away without a glance.
Tearfully, she turned to Dad. "Dad, it's Hailey! Remember how you used to spoil me? I promise I've learned my lesson. Just this once, forgive me!"
She then flung herself at Sam's feet, clutching desperately at his trousers.
"Sam, you always stood by me! You said you would always have my back!"
He looked down at her, his gaze heavy and unreadable.
Then, with a sharp gesture, he shook
