CHAPTER SIXTEEN – STANDING WITH HER FAMILY

Karina sagged with relief as the taxi pulled up outside her family's brownstone. After the distressing events of the night, she longed for the safety and comfort of home. Paying the driver, she dragged herself up the front steps and let herself in as quietly as possible, hoping to avoid questions. The warmth and familiar scents wrapped around her like a blanket. She crept up the stairs and fell into bed, unconscious before her head hit the pillow. A soft rapping at the door woke Karina with a start the next morning. "Karina, are you awake?" called her mother's muffled voice through the wood. "You have a visitor." Karina rubbed her eyes blearily, confused about the time. She hauled herself out of bed and cracked open the door. "What time is it?" Her mother frowned in concern. "It's past noon, dear. Are you feeling alright?" Karina nodded mutely, still processing the late hour. "Well, hurry and get dressed. Matthew is downstairs waiting to see you." Suddenly wide awake, Karina's sto