Leo mulled over the evening’s events, his expression turning serious as he turned to Zach and said, “Zach, I’ve got to ask you something.”


    Sensing the gravity in Leo’s voice, Zach dropped his usual carefree demeanor and replied, “What’s on your mind?<b>” </b>


    After hesitating for a few seconds, Leo ventured, “Is there bad blood between Emmitt and Mirabe?”


    He had been wallowing in self–pity due to some health issues, and he hadn’t paid much attention when his sister came back home, leaving Zach as the one more in the know.


    “Why do you bring this up? Did Emmitt swing by?” Zach countered instead of answering directly.


    Leo nodded, then shared with Zach the gist of what had transpired that evening.


    Zach’s brow furrowed as he digested the story. “Why the heck is Emmitt still hanging out with Summer? Didn’t he learn anything from thest time?”


    “Emmitt definitely has some misunderstandings and biases against Mira; so try to keep her out of it when you see Emmitt, will ya? Mirabe hasn’t been back home for long, and we don’t want her getting the wrong idea about this family.” Zach said with a far–off look and a voice that seemed to drift with the wind.


    Leo watched him, a wry smile forming on his lips. “I got it, Zach.”


    Of everyone in the family, Zach was the most perceptive and clear–sighted.


    The next day dawned.


    Mirabe rose early, opened the suitcase she had brought with her, and pulled out a bottle of medicine, followed by an old–fashioned iron box. The box had a tricky lock, which she deftly manipted until, with a click, the lid sprang open.


    She took out the silver needles wrapped in sheepskin, quickly inspected them, rolled them back up, and ced them along with the bottle of medicine into the messenger bag she used for school.


    After breakfast, Shawn was driving her to school.


    Shawn’s brand–new car was a bit too shy. He respected Mirabe’s tactful suggestions and had reluctantly resurrected his old Santana from the junkyard. As a result, the once cherished new car was now relegated to the dusty corners of the underground garage.


    Each day, as Mirabe headed off to school, she would cast a silent nce at the neglected vehicle, itching to ask her dad to at least maintain the new car. Yet, seeing his apparent


    disdain for it, she held her tongue.


    After school, Mirabe once again used the pretext of visiting to apany Jenna to the hospital.


    Jake, still in aa, showed stable vital signs after the treatment and was out of immediate danger<b>. </b>


    Ka was at the hospital that day and was delighted to see Mirabe visiting again. She made Mirabe feel wee, offering het drinks and cutting up fruit with maternal warmth. With Jenna there to take over, Ka soon left for home. Jenna had a younger brother in elementary school she needed to take care of.


    Only Mirabe and Jenna remained in the hospital room.


    Mirabe, a day student specially admitted by Mr. Hammond, didn’t have to worry about her grades and had requested to skip evening study hall.


    Jenna had taken leave from evening sses and was looking after Jake. However, as a senior, her study schedule was intense, and she was always swamped with papers to write and questions to practice. Before long, Jenna pulled out her work and began tackling it head–on, all while chatting away.


    Mirabe sat there, fingers resting on the armchair, contemting how to administer acupuncture to Jake without drawing attention.