At last, Colton and his parents went home and Annalise wrapped up the work. Dean helped her clean up. “Where’s Aunt Emily? Don’t lie to me, Dean. Tell me what happened,” said Annalise. Dean sighed and looked away without answering.
“She’s left home,” he mumbled. Annalise’s jaws dropped at his words as she stood, horrified.
“Why?” she asked quietly.
“Mom and Dad fought badly after you left. She wanted you to cook for Colton and after you left, she started shouting out accusations at you. Dad scolded her and they argued a lot. She got angry and left home,” said Dean.
Tears fell from Annalise’s eyes. “She left home because of me. I’m feeling terrible,” said Annalise as uncontrollable sobs escaped her.
Dean hugged his sister. “There’s nothing to feel guilty about, Anna. This isn’t the fir
