Grace Murdock cradled her son in her arms with heartache and comforted him by stroking his head, "Mommy is here, Hadley, don't be afraid. There are no snakes—Mommy has driven them away."
Hadley Morrison cried so hard that he couldn't catch his breath. He was truly terrified today. After all, he was just a four-year-old child, crying until his whole body trembled.
Tim Morrison, standing beside them, felt his heart breaking too. He sat with Grace, comforting their crying son. A nice gathering had been completely ruined due to one of Lily Smith's pranks.
By the time Hadley stopped trembling and crying, it was already evening. He was listless, exhausted from crying so much.
Held in Grace's arms, he turned his head and saw Lily. His eyes brightened slightly.
"Lily,"
he called softly.
Lily was now consumed with guilt. When he called her, she hurried over.
"What's wrong?"
