Mendy's smile vanished instantly, her shoulders tensing, color draining from her face. Yeah. She still did that. Anything unexpected and she braced for impact. Richard had really done a number on her. Fucking idiot.
Kayla and I exchanged a quick look while Mendy stared at the door like it might bite her. I cleared my throat and walked over, peeking through the peephole.
Huh.
I opened the door.
Three kids stood there—maybe ten, twelve at most—bundled up in coats, holding stacks of cookie boxes. The boxes were still full. Definitely their first stop.
"Hello, sir," one of them said brightly.
"We're students from Melcuin Primary School," another chimed in.
"School's out today because of the storm alert," the third added quickly, "and we're raising money so our school dog can get medical treatment. Any donation helps!"
I smiled without thinking. "Yeah, sure. How much for three cookies?"
"W-would you like to buy a whole box, sir?"
"Naah. I'm good. Thank you, though."
