It was 2:00 AM when they finally reached the school. Dad was standing in the parking lot talking to other parents when the bus arrived. She was still half-asleep as she stepped off the bus. Dad put his strong arms around her shoulders and helped her into the car. She was asleep by the time they left the parking lot.

When they pulled into the driveway, Nicole was still sleeping. Dad walked around and opened her door and carefully lifted her out of the car. Nicole was 18, but wasn't too big for dad to carry. He carried her into the house and down the hall. She mumbled something under her breath as he gently laid her on the bed.

The house was dark and quiet, as the rest of the family was fast asleep. Nicole's room was dimly lit from the streetlight out front. The tree outside cast dancing shadows on the wall as the wind softly bent its branches. ......(cont)