We had to walk around 1km to our house. I saw 3 people who were known to us and my father were sitting in the bus stop. Seeing us they stand up and st...rted staring at us. I understand that they were my fathe’rs friends named sanoop, Vijayan and Rahul.I know them because they used to come 2, 3 times to our home to see my father. They came towards us and asked”what happen to you?” They asking, all of their eyes were towards mom’s body. Mom tried to cover her body with her hands. Whthout any. Conner was quick to bring her hand to his mouth, gently kissing her knuckles even as she tried to pull away from him. “I don’t mean now.” he insisted, “I don’t expect you to talk about it. If you never want to talk about it that’s all right too. But Tessa, if you ever do, I want to listen.” Tessa almost looked suspicious for a moment as she stared at him, but then she relaxed and gave him a nod. Conner was able to smile again and he pulledher hand against his chest, holding it as he leaned back. .’ And I did. She had always wanted to be comforted by physical contact. ‘Michael.. Promise me something..’ She said. I could hear a bit of sadness in her voice. ‘What is it?’ ‘Promise me you’ll always be in my life.. I’ve known you since the first grade.. You’ve always defended me, even back then. If I were to lose you, then I wouldn’t have anything to live for… Please..’ I could hear how sad she was. It’s true, I have known her for basically all my life, and I have defended her. I don’t. While the teens were talking, a waitress came over and asked what they would like to drink."Vodka and orange juice," Jack said.Everyone laughed and ordered Cokes. The waitress left and returned carrying a tray with the drinks on it. She set them in front of each of the teens and asked about their dinner order."You have your choice of steak, fish or chicken," she said. She listed the things that came with the dinner and took their orders.Soft background music played through the hall's sound.