Her Own Room

Emma knew that if she stayed in Jenny's room, the two girls would stay up half the night. She also knew that if they stayed up half the night, her Aunt Maude would blame Emma. Grief or not, Emma was still the older more responsible family member. It wouldn't be a great start to her visit if she let her younger cousin get in trouble after only one night.

Explaining this to Jenny went over better than Emma had hoped. Instead of throwing a tantrum, like Emma had feared, Jenny simply gave Emma a hug and told her that she understood.

The two girls wished each other a good night and Emma made her way back down the hall. She had considered wishing James a good night before she retired, but figured she should just leave the shy teen alone.

Back in Jake's room, Emma readied herself for bed, then slipped under her temporary covers.

The room was lit by the pale light of what must have been a full moon. Despite the brightness, and the small fear of unfamiliar surroundings in the otherwise dark room, Emma soon fell asleep.