At the entrance to Sophia’s school, Grace heard a familiar voice calling out to her. "Auntie Grace!"

Turning her head, she saw Mia sprinting toward her, her youthful exuberance palpable. "Auntie Grace," Mia began, her words rushing out, "last night, my mom wanted me to bring you some buns, but you weren’t home. So I ended up taking them back."

Grace opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Sophia interjected sharply, unaware that Grace had long since ...