The phone call ended. She grabbed Matthew's favorite pillow, switched her footwear, and stepped outside.

The night wind was strong.

Marcus leaned against his black Land Rover, puffing away on a cigarette. His dark coat merged with the night's shadows.

Melissa walked up to him.

Worried about Marcus' foul mood's potential impact on Matthew, she clarified to him, "I'm not with Mr. Waston. Jessie's at my place."