Though Sonia had meted out retribution to Sadie on the deck, Ariana found herself vexed by Sadie for no apparent reason. And Sadie's imperviousness to Adele's condition only fanned her ire.

Many therapies necessitated parental cooperation, but foreseeing Sadie's stance was a slippery slope.

Further, Ariana worried that any discord with Sadie could perturb Adele. She needed a strategy to sidestep face-to-face encounters with Sadie.

At that moment, another message arrived from Jessie.

"By the way, the child's parents are caught in the whirlwind of their obligations lately. They'll reach out when the timing aligns. No need for you to initiate contact."