I almost turned around and went back into the house, to confront Dad and try to comfort Mom again. Instead, tired and knowing I could only make things worse, I headed out the door, Petunia tugging on the leash, eager to go home. I kind of agreed with her.

I made it to the street before I realized Crew hadn't left yet and flushed while I stopped in surprise, my pug happy enough to pause and wait for me to do something besides gape at him sitting behind the wheel of his ...