Emma was out with her college friends when she had got the news. There had been a terrible car accident, a hit-and-run, involving her parents. She excused herself from the small gathering of friends and went outside the bar to listen to the police officer on the other end of her cell phone.

Emma had been rushed to the hospital by one of her more sober friends where she met with police and doctors. The accident, and the resulting death of her parents, was explained to her. She identified the bodies, sobbing all the while, as her friends tried their best to comfort her.

The next few days were a blur. Distant family members were contacted, funeral arrangements were made, a wake was held, followed by the funeral itself.

The blonde college girl did her best to put on a brave face, but her Aunt Maude saw through it easily. Maude pleaded for Emma to take some time away from school and to come out to the lake house that Maude and her family lived in.

In her fragile state Emma couldn't refuse.