Chapter 1. At Aunt Emily's House

Claire’s POV 

Although I was apprehensive about Aunt Emily’s reaction to seeing me suddenly at her doorstep, she welcomed me with open arms. I ran into them, and broke down completely, unable to stop the teardrops cascading down my cheeks. 

“It’s such a pleasant surprise, my dear! I almost thought you had forgotten me.”

“No, Aunt Emily, you’re my favorite. I wanted to see you so badly that this time I didn’t wait for Mom and Dad to bring me here,” I lied, but Aunt Emily just wiped my tears away gently and led me inside. She knew me well and I could see that she had sensed that something was wrong with me. 

“I’m honored, dear. Come and sit and tell me what has really upset you so much. I promise I won’t tell a soul,” she said, leaning towards me as if it was a secret. I sighed, knowing that I had to tell her if I wanted to hide here for a long time.

I told her everything that had happened, and she nodded in understanding. “I agree it was v