Mrs. Kao couldn’t sleep well. How could she? Winnie said she would be home before eleven, but it was twelve. Where was she? Mrs. Kao called her on her cell phone. No one answered. She got out of bed, put on a jacket, and went to the living room.

Terry walked out of his room and asked, ‘What’s wrong, Mum? Oh, is Dad coming home tonight?’ ‘No. Tomorrow. I’m waiting for your sister.’ Terry went back to his room and studied. He had a very important exam the next day.

“Terry is a good boy,” Mrs. Kao thought. “He’s three years younger, but I seldom need to worry that you called. No, don’t take the taxi. Stay at the door of the theatre with Maggie. I’ll come and drive you and Maggie home. Don’t worry. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

Mrs. Kao took the car key and went out.