"Mom, I'm home!" Barbara entered Melanie's room with a bright smile. Several shopping bags hung from her hands.

Instead of questioning Barbara’s job, Melanie greeted her happily. "You went shopping? Were you annoyed or too happy?"

The curve of Barbara's lips turned sour. "Actually, both. I was annoyed because those kids gave me trouble. That's why I went home early. But ...."

Barbara opened one of the bags and took out a box. "I'm also happy because my mission went smoothly."

Seeing the ...