Dawn paced back and forth in her apartment, her heart still racing from last night. What did I do? Why would I…? She stopped mid-step, her mind a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and regret. A sharp knock pulled her out of her thoughts.
She hurried to the door and opened it.
"Tara?" she said, trying to sound cheerful, though her chest tightened at the sight of her old friend.
Tara stepped in, jaw set, eyes blazing. Dawn gestured toward the couch. "Sit," she said cautiously.
"I'm not here for pleasantries," Tara snapped, her voice like ice.
Dawn frowned. What's gotten into her? "Why are you so… bitter?"
Tara's face twisted in anger. She took a step forward, her voice rising. "After all these years, you abandoned my mother! Why would you do that?"
Dawn's pulse spiked. She swallowed hard, fighting the urge to lash back. "Is that what she told you?" she said slowly, each word sharp. "Your mom… she doesn't deserve good things. She doesn't deserve you."
A burning slap hit her cheek. Dawn staggered back. The sound of her friendship shattering echoed in her ears.
"Tara… you raised your hand on me," she murmured, her voice a mixture of sadness and disbelief.
"I'd do it again if you insult my mom," Tara said firmly, eyes blazing.
Dawn sank onto the couch, staring at the floor, her thoughts swirling. After a moment, she stood, drawing herself up. "It's time for you to leave."
Tara's eyes narrowed. "I wasn't planning to stay. But selling your body… that's not the way forward," she said, disgust dripping from her words.
Dawn's patience snapped. Before she could think, she slapped Tara across the face. "I am not your mother," she hissed.
Tara cupped her cheek, her eyes filled with hatred. Dawn exhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging, and asked softly, "Have you ever wondered what really happened between your mom and your dad?"
Tara blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Dawn's gaze was steady. "Since Peige likes to lie… why not ask her if she'd lie to your face?" She pointed toward the door. Tara glared one last time, then stormed out.
Dawn sank into the couch, letting out a long, shaky breath. Money couldn't fix everything. Her life was hard, but maybe, just maybe, she could start piecing it together. She grabbed her coat and handbag, ready to face Adam.
Minutes later, she stood at the Manchester's door. She knocked, but silence greeted her. Daphne didn't answer her calls either. Dawn sank onto the steps, heart tightening. What could have happened? Even if they went to the hospital… which one?
Determined, she headed to the pizzeria. Alex looked up, worry written across her face as Dawn approached.
"I need your help," Dawn said, urgency in her voice.
Alex opened her mouth to ask if everything was okay, but Dawn shook her head. "Not now."
Finally, Alex asked, "What kind of help?"
"I need my uniform and a pizza. Just this one last delivery," Dawn said, pleading.
Alex hesitated. How could Dawn pull this off without the owner noticing? Yet, seeing the determination in her friend's eyes, she nodded. "I'll do it."
"I know your job is at risk, but nothing will go wrong. I promise," Dawn assured her.
Grateful, Dawn thanked her and rushed out excitedly.
She returned home moments later, opening the door to see Daphne seated in the parlour. Dawn rushed over, wrapping her arms around her.
"Where have you been?" she asked, relief flooding her voice.
"Adam was sick; I took him to the hospital," Daphne said gently. "I also retrieved your documents from Mr. Harrow. And… I have something for you."
Dawn's chest tightened in anticipation. Even as her life felt like it was crumbling, Daphne had quietly gathered the pieces.
"Thank you… I really appreciate it," Dawn said, eyes wide.
Daphne pulled a shining blue crescent moon necklace from her bag. Dawn stared, stunned.
"My mom gave this to me when I was getting married. It's a family heirloom," Daphne said.
"Why… why give this to me?" Dawn asked, voice trembling.
"My mom told me to pass it to my daughter, and she to hers, and so on," Daphne said softly. "I've seen the sacrifices you make for your siblings. That's why I want you to have it."
Tears pricked at Dawn's eyes. "I… I don't know what to say," she whispered.
"You don't have to," Daphne said, smiling gently. Dawn hugged her tightly, gratitude spilling from her every movement.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispered.
Daphne smiled, mentioning she had to visit the hospital. Dawn promised she would. As Daphne left for the hospital, Dawn jumped up, joy bubbling over. Her siblings rushed out, concern on their faces.
"What happened? Are you okay?" Jason asked.
"I'm overjoyed! Come, join me in dancing," Dawn said, laughing.
"With no music?" Leslie asked, incredulous.
"Your imagination will be the beat," Dawn replied. Soon, the room was filled with laughter and dancing.
The next day, a knock interrupted their conversation. Alex stood at the door with Dawn's old uniform and a pizza.
"Thank you," Dawn said with a smile as Alex hurried away.
She returned with bags for her siblings.
"A witch costume?" Leslie asked, confused.
"Why a clown? I'm not even funny," Jason whined.
"A fairy," Amy said, smiling.
Dawn explained their plan: to cheer someone up for the first time in ages. The siblings whined, but agreed, slipping into their costumes.
At the hospital, they found Adam lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, with Daphne beside him. Dawn and her siblings whispered their strategy.
"Leslie, you're the witch. Jason, you and Leslie are villains. Amy, you're a fairy," Dawn instructed.
"Why a witch for me?" Leslie protested.
"Because it suits you—you're a witch in disguise," Jason teased.
"I'm a witch. And you? You're a clown, not funny at all," Leslie shot back.
"You're not funny," Jason countered. They bickered quietly, and Dawn shook her head, half amused, half exasperated. "Listen, just follow my lead. This is for someone sick, remember?"
"Why does Amy get to be a fairy? I can be a fairy!" Leslie protested.
"Because she looks like one, and you… like a witch," Jason replied with a grin.
"If I'm a witch, so are you," Leslie shot back.
The squabbling continued—until laughter cut through the room. Adam turned his head, a real smile lighting up his face. Dawn and her siblings froze. He was laughing… genuinely.