Allison stood in the garden, absentmindedly fiddling with the leaves of some evergreen plant. "Something's come up at home, so I can't go out for the next few days."
Joy, respecting her privacy, didn't press further. "Alright, I'll go pick her up myself. Do you have any message for Peyton?"
In a gentle tone, Allison said, "Wish her a speedy recovery and lots of happiness from me. I'll send you some money to get her a gift."
Joy quickly waved it off, "It’s okay, really. I’ve still got plenty left from the last time you sent me some."
"Alright, if you say so."
---
Later that evening, Allison got a call from her dad, Javier. "Allie, Lizzy's birthday is the day after tomorrow, and it's a Saturday. We've booked a place at a hotel for her party. Make sure you come for dinner."
Allison hesitated. She had promised Joshua she wouldn't step out for a few days. She wanted to be there for her sister's birthday, but she couldn’t risk it. Who knew what that maniac Chris might do? She couldn't gamble with her safety.
"I can't, Dad. I have a business trip out of town on Saturday."
Javier was surprised by her response and paused. "Is it really that important? Can't you skip it or have someone cover for you? You know how much Lizzy adores you. If you miss her birthday, she'll be devastated."
Javier sighed heavily. "Since the kidnapping, Lizzy's been struggling. I took her to therapy, and she's just starting to get better. The doctor says she needs family around her. Even though her mom's with her every day, she keeps asking for you. Can’t you come home to see her?"
Allison's heart ached with guilt. Lizzy was her beloved little sister, and after the kidnapping, Allison herself had been plagued by nightmares and sleepless nights.
Without opening her eyes, she reached out, grabbed the phone, and answered groggily. "Hello, who is this?"
"Allie, something's happened to your dad!" It was the Owens family’s housekeeper.
"What happened?"
---
A white BMW skidded to a stop in the hospital's open parking lot. Allison jumped out and sprinted towards the entrance. The housekeeper had told her that during Lizzy's birthday party, Javier had a sudden fall down the stairs and was now in the ER.
Hearing this, Allison felt the world spin, nearly collapsing with shock. In her panic, she forgot all about Chris, grabbed her keys, and raced out the door.
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