Mrs. Quinn leaned listlessly against the headboard, her eyes vacant as she stared out the window.
Hearing the door open, she turned her head, her voice weak. "Sean, what took you so long?"
"Auntie," came Penny Thorne's choked voice.
Mrs. Quinn's expression suddenly changed.
"Auntie." Penny Thorne sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes red as she asked with concern, "Auntie, are you okay?"
She took Mrs. Quinn's hand, her own eyes full of worry.
Mrs. Quinn looked at her, eyes brimming with tears, her voice cracking. "Penelope, why haven't you been answering your phone? I was so worried something had happened to you, I made Sean bring me here to check."
"I..." Penny Thorne opened her mouth, but the excuse she had prepared wouldn't come out. "Auntie..."
Mrs. Quinn watched her quietly, waiting for an explanation.
Penny Thorne didn't dare meet her gaze. Her eyes flickered as she glanced toward Sean Quinn, who was sitting to the side.
