Michelle sat there for a while, staring at the night sky. The laughter coming from inside the mansion cut through her, each sound reminding her how alone she felt. Wrapping her arms around herself, she tried not to sink into the loneliness.

At last, she stood, brushed off her dress, and slowly walked back inside.

The moment she stepped into the brightly lit hall, she paused. Everyone was still gathered, their smiles wide, their voices warm. Grandma Linda was laughing as they discussed ...