The online drama just wouldn''t die down.


    Everyone in town was talking, the gossip spreading like wildfire.


    Anastasia had already seen the headlines, and when Herman got home that evening, he brought it up too.


    "The Stranz family took Layna back home," Herman said. "Scott promised me they''d keep a closer eye on her from now on. After all this, Layna''s pretty shaken. I don''t think it''s worth dragging up the past again."


    Anastasia shrugged. "Honestly, the Stranz family taking her home doesn''t matter much to me. But, babe, have you seen what people are saying online? That Mr. Simmons-his reputation''s trashed. Everyone''s lining up to take shots at him."


    Herman paused, thoughtful. "Hard to judge when we weren''t there. But do you really think an eight-year-old could set up her own teacher?"


    Anastasia slid next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Whether she could or not, everyone''s going to feel sorry for Layna. I don''t know, maybe it''s just me, but I never got an honest vibe from that girl."


    Herman nodded, lighting a cigarette. "If an eight-year-old can lie like that, just imagine what she''ll be capable of when she''s older."


    They were just specting, really. They both knew not to judge without knowing the whole story, so they kept their thoughts between themselves.


    "Oh, by the way," Anastasia said, ncing at Herman, "I''ve been thinking about switching Pattie''s school. I checked out five different schools-Riverdale Community Elementary seems best. What do you think?"


    "I agree. I was actually thinking the same thing," Herman said, squeezing her hand. “She should be around kids her own age. That''s how she''ll grow up best."


    Anastasia smiled, finally rxing. "Once Pattie''s settled, I''ll feel so much lighter. Honestly, I don''t care if our kids are superstars or anything. As long as they grow up healthy and happy, that''s enough for me."


    That''s what parents really want-their kids safe and well.


    She looked over at Herman curiously. "Any news on Devin and Autumn?"


    "I told Dailey to back off for now. They just got back together-let''s let that spark burn for a while, see whates of it."


    The more intense the fire, the more likely something big would happen.


    Herman took another drag from his cigarette. "How''s your studioing? Need any help?"


    "It''s almost ready," Anastasia grinned. "Mr. Salstrom even invested, so that''s one less thing to worry about. Let me handle the rest."


    Besides her jewelry studio, Anastasia was also working on a new project a workshop to save old folk crafts that were on the verge of disappearing. Young people these days just didn''t have the patience for those intricate skills, and so much had already been lost.


    She wanted to keep the traditions alive. Short videos and social media seemed like the perfect


    way-showing the process, teaching for free, sharing the wisdom passed down through generations.


    Whatever she did, Herman supported her all the way.


    "Alright, it''s gettingte. Let''s get some sleep; we''re taking Pattie hiking tomorrow."


    "Okay," Anastasia said. "You go ahead. I''ll text Monica and check in. She split with Jason, and things with Chase have been rough... She must be feeling down."


    Anastasia stepped out onto the balcony to send Monica a quick message.


    Meanwhile, Herman did his usual bedtime check, peeking into the kids'' rooms. Emmie, Nancy, Pattie—all sound asleep. That was happiness, right there.


    The next morning, Anastasia and Herman took Pattie out early for a hike.


    But back in Riverdale, something major went down.


    At Windale School, Mr. Simmons left a note on the rooftop: "I am innocent. Layna


    lied." Then he stepped off the edge, trying to prove it.