CARL

A light knock rattled on the door and I opened it, surprised to see Alma and Velma standing in the hallway. I stuttered, trying to compose myself. I hadn't expected them to show up, especially not at my place. I quickly ushered them in, feeling like I'd been caught off guard.

As they entered, Velma ran ahead, throwing her arms around my waist. "Daddy!" she exclaimed, looking up at me with a beaming smile.

My eyes locked onto Alma, and I felt a mix of shock and confusion get ...