Finally, Aaron opened the door.

“Did you fall asleep?” Mom asked.

“No,” he mumbled, offering her a warm smile.

He glanced quickly toward the bathroom.

Mom stepped inside. “Do you need anything?”

“No, sis. I just wanted to thank you,” she said, smiling softly. “You’ve helped Ivy so much. I don’t know how she’ll do tomorrow, but what matters most is that she’s changed.”

Aaron returned her smile. “Don’t worry, sis. She’s giving it her all.”

“I know,” she ...