Ch -13 : HOME SWEET HOME...!

 Allen and Dolly talk, and later,

Amy returns home:

As Allen began to explain the situation, Dolly cut him off with her barrage of questions, her frustration clear. "Wait! You knew about them? Why didn't you keep her safe? Were you acting? Why were you both in that street? What was she doing there? Didn't her shift end sooner?" she demanded.

Allen held up his hands, trying to interject, "Wait, wait! Let me finish—"

But Dolly was relentless. "No! First, answer my questions!"

"Eh, you mean *questions*?" Allen corrected her.

"See, this is what I hate about you," Dolly huffed.

Allen countered, "Oh, I thought you hated me because I used to be closer to Amy than you when we were children."

"See, see, see," Dolly retorted, "that's also a reason I hate you. Now, answer my questions!"

"Alright, ask," Allen said, trying to stay composed.

"Why were you two in that street?" Dolly pressed.

"Of course, because we work part-time together," Allen explained.

"Okay," Dolly said, feeling somewhat appeased. "That explains a lot."

"But why weren't you there with her?" she continued, wanting to know the full story.

Allen took a breath before explaining, "I was at the orphanage. I'm a social worker, and I received word that the children were in distress, crying, and needed me. So, I had to leave."

Dolly's expression softened with surprise and realization. The tension between them eased slightly as she understood his explanation. She decided to give him some space and went to the guest room where Amy and Mia were resting, allowing Allen a moment to himself.

---

**Scene: Evening**

As the day transitioned to evening, Luna and Leo arrived at Allen's home, calling out to the family. "Darling, we're home!" Luna announced cheerfully. She noticed Dolly and smiled. "Oh my! Dolly, you came straight here? How sweet of you!"

Dolly returned Luna's hug, grateful for the warm welcome. Luna then turned to Amy. "Amy, darling, can you get up? Shall we go home? If you're still hurt, you can rest here."

Amy was surprised by her mother's suggestion, expecting her to insist she rest at home instead of a stranger's house. Nonetheless, Amy smiled. "I'm fine, Mom. Let's go home."

Luna and Leo gathered their belongings from Allen's place and prepared to leave. They tidied up the guest room and ensured everything was in order. Once ready, they waited in the car for Amy, Mia, and Dolly to join them.

Back at their house, Amy settled in and went to her room, feeling tired but grateful to be home. Later, she went to her mother, needing to talk to her about everything that had happened and her concerns about the situation.

Amy's voice was soft but earnest. "Mom, I want to thank you and Dad for being there for me. I know it was scary, but I promise I'll be more careful next time." She paused, gathering her thoughts.

Luna placed a reassuring hand on Amy's shoulder. "Sweetheart, you don't need to apologize. We're just glad you're safe. The most important thing is that you're here with us now."

Amy nodded, appreciating her mother's understanding. She spoke again, her voice tinged with concern. "Mom, what about those men? What if they come back?"

Luna drew her daughter into a hug. "We'll take care of it. We'll work with the police and make sure they can't hurt you or anyone else. You're safe here, Amy."

Amy let out a breath of relief, finding comfort in her mother's words. The ordeal had been tough, but she knew she had her family's support to get through it. Amy realized how lucky she was to have such caring parents and friends, and she was determined to make the most of the fresh start she was given.