Peige's house glittered like a palace, dripping with gold ribbons and the smell of expensive wine. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, scattering light like tiny stars. Amy darted through the parlor, chasing the twins as they argued over something pointless, their laughter echoing against the marble floor.
Peige reclined on her velvet couch, her posture as perfect as her manicured nails. She sipped her wine slowly, eyes following the children with a faint smirk that didn't reach her eyes.
Then, a knock. Sharp, confident. It rattled the door and her peace.
"Don't spill my wine, Amy. Go play somewhere else," she said sharply, setting her glass down. She stood and glided toward the door like a queen about to greet a servant.
When she opened it, there was Dawn. Calm. Determined. The cold air followed her inside. Her eyes darted past Peige, scanning the room. "Where are they?" she asked softly, though her voice trembled just a little.
Peige arched an eyebrow. "Well, look who the cat dragged in." She gave a slow, fake smile. "No hug? No apology? Nothing?"
"I'm here to take my siblings home," Dawn said simply.
Peige blinked, almost amused. "Home?" she repeated. "Do you mean the street corner or the shelter? Because last I checked, you didn't have a home."
Dawn held her ground, her expression calm but her eyes shining with restrained anger. "Yes. Home. Where family lives. They can't stay here because it's a dungeon, not a house."
The words stung. Peige's smile faltered, replaced by an icy glare. "Stay right there. I'll get them," she hissed, slamming the door shut.
"Like I'm begging to come in," Dawn muttered under her breath, crossing her arms tightly to keep her nerves from showing.
Moments later, the door flew open. Her siblings rushed into her arms at once. Dawn fell to her knees, hugging them fiercely.
"Are you okay? Did she feed you? Did she—" her words tumbled out too fast.
Leslie laughed, her face buried in Dawn's shoulder. "One question at a time, Mom."
That made Dawn laugh too, even as tears burned behind her eyes. "Let's go home," she said, her voice low but steady.
The twins exchanged confused looks. "We have no home," Jason murmured.
Dawn smiled faintly. "Not anymore."
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, Daphne paced across her living room, her hands twisting the edge of her shawl. She'd spent the whole day thinking about how to tell Adam about Dawn. What if he hated the idea? What if he never forgave her for meddling again?
Before she could decide, the front door opened.
"Adam?" she called.
He stood there, exhausted, shoulders slumped, eyes red-rimmed.
"Adam, what happened?" she whispered, stepping toward him.
"She's gone, Mom," he said, voice shaking. "Ava's gone."
The wine glass slipped from Daphne's hand and shattered. Her world froze. "Gone?" Her voice cracked. "You mean—"
"She's alive," he said hoarsely. "Just... gone somewhere inside herself." His words fell apart as tears took over. "I'll be in my room."
She reached for him, but he was already walking away, his back a picture of grief too heavy for words. Daphne sank into a chair, her eyes wet with relief and sorrow all at once. Ava was alive. But her son… was slipping away.
* * * * * *
That evening, Dawn unlocked the door to a new apartment, their new beginning. The kids froze in the doorway. The place glowed, all white marble and soft chandeliers. It looked like something out of a dream.
Amy gasped. "Are we in heaven?"
Dawn smiled, setting her bag down. "We're home, baby. But if you want to call it heaven, I won't argue."
Jason blinked. "How—how did you even get this?"
Dawn shrugged, her smile tight. "Let's just say... I made a deal."
Leslie frowned but didn't press. "This is crazy. Like, rich people crazy."
Dawn ruffled her hair. "Just promise me one thing—no fights, okay? I've had enough of those to last a lifetime."
Her phone rang. "Hello? Oh—hi, Alex. Yeah, I'll be there tomorrow. Thanks." She hung up quickly.
"Who was that?" Leslie asked.
"Just a friend," Dawn said, too quickly.
Jason snorted. "Mind your business, detective."
Leslie shot him a glare. "You mind yours."
"Both of you, enough," Dawn said tiredly, forcing a smile. "Now, how about we go shopping for decorations? New Year, remember?"
Amy jumped up. "Yes! I'll go change!" She ran off, her tiny slippers squeaking on the floor.
As Dawn watched her go, guilt gnawed at her chest. She was giving them comfort built on lies. Could she really go through with this?
"Earth to Dawn," Leslie said, breaking into her thoughts.
Dawn blinked. "Yeah?"
"I said Jason's slacking again."
"Then make him mop twice," Dawn said absentmindedly. Leslie grinned and ran off.
A moment later, Dawn grabbed her purse. "I'm heading out. Don't open the door for anyone but me, understood?"
"How will we know it's you?" Leslie asked. "You still haven't gotten me a phone."
"There's a peephole. Use it. And you'll get a phone when you're eighteen."
"Ugh! That's like—forever!" Leslie groaned.
Dawn chuckled and stepped out, her laughter fading as the door shut behind her.
* * * * * *
At the Manchester estate, the mansion glowed with quiet elegance. When Daphne opened the door, she smiled softly. "I wasn't expecting you this soon."
Dawn's heart raced, but she kept her posture firm. "I told you I'd come."
"You haven't even started your job yet," Daphne teased. "And you're already falling for my son."
Dawn blinked. "What?"
Daphne smirked. "The house, dear. You've fallen for the house."
Dawn laughed so hard she nearly cried. "You scared me!"
"That was the goal," Daphne said with a wink. "Now, what should I offer you?"
"I'm fine, thank you."
"Nonsense. You'll drink with me." Daphne returned with two glasses of wine. Dawn accepted hesitantly, the warmth of kindness filling her chest.
For a while, they talked like old friends—about family, hope, and how life could be so cruelly unpredictable. It felt strange but comforting. Dawn hadn't felt safe like this in years.
Then Daphne's phone buzzed. She frowned and picked it up.
"Adam?" Her voice softened. "Are you okay?"
A pause.
Then her voice cracked. "Adam, slow down—I can't hear you—no, no, no!"
The phone slipped from her hand, crashing to the floor. Daphne's face drained of color, her hands trembling as she whispered, "Not again…"