CHAPTER SIXTY – MEET THE KEPPLERS

For the next hour, she regaled them with tales of her misadventures. She described the dog-walking fiasco in vivid detail, complete with sound effects for Buddy's splash into the pond. Tim was in stitches as she recounted her babysitting experience with the devious Timmy. "And then," Joan said, barely containing her own laughter, "I turn around to find him on top of the refrigerator, somehow covered in peanut butter, singing 'Let It Go' at the top of his lungs!" Their father wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. "Oh, Joanie. Only you could get into these situations." As their laughter subsided, Joan felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Sharing her struggles and finding humor in them had been cathartic. Just then, they heard the front door open. "I'm home!" Vito's voice called out. Joan stood, suddenly nervous. "That's Vito. Come on, I'll introduce you properly." They made their way to the living room, where Vito was hanging up his coat. He turned, his face breaking into a warm sm