That "Mr. Sterling" cut deep into Alexander's heart.

He looked at her, his throat tight, wanting to speak but unable to find the words. What else could he say? Everything that needed to be said was already spoken last night.

"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving," Sophia walked past him toward the children. "Tommy, Hopey, let's stop picking mushrooms - there are snakes here, let's get out."

The two little ones popped their heads out of the grass and obediently let her lead ...