Ava jerked away, disgust and disappointment churning in her gut. "You're unbelievable," she spat. "Kylie could be hurt, or worse, and you're just gonna sit here and do nothing? What kind of mother are you?"

The words hung in the air between them, sharp and cutting. Her mother's face crumpled, tears welling in her eyes. For a moment, Ava felt a pang of regret. But then she thought of Kylie, alone and afraid, and her resolve hardened.

"Fine," she said, her voice cold. "If you won't ...