Sophia looked back at him. It was just a glance before she averted her eyes, not responding to him.

Alexander continued, "I need to go out for a while. Please take care of little Hopey."

"I would do that without you telling me," she replied coldly, maintaining her usual distant attitude.

Alexander understood he needed to keep his distance, and he didn't blame Soph for being distant. Thinking about his sister's arrangement, he told the kids to behave ...