The doorbell rang, and Ernie sprung up to get his mother. “Not now, darling.” she said, and continued to talk on the phone. His face contorted, and finally, he could wait no longer. Disobeying his mother’s rule, he opened the door.
A woman stood waiting expectedly. “Oh my God!” she whispered, staring at him. Something was strange about her. Something familiar. A small girl stood beside her. She was no more than 3 years old.
Ernie’s mother appeared next to him. Her voice in a low growl, she said, “Get away from here, why are you doing this to him?”
“Aren’t you going to invite us in? You would leave your granddaughter out on the porch?” she stated smugly, while gesturing to the girl. His mother’s eyes flashed to Ernie, as the woman smiled.
“Come in, Terri.” Her patience was wavering.