Lola looked at Russel with alarm. The news had spread that quickly? She wondered how the people of Howlton found out. Whatever the case was, the town was buzzing with gossip, idle speculation, and what might happen in the near future. Everyone was so loud, it was beginning to hurt her ears and give her a slight headache. She did her best to ignore that though and actively forced her mind away from the powerful emotions the conversations she did hear stirred up.

“Are you okay?” ...