Helen stared at both women for a few moments longer, her gaze hard and scrutinizing. In the moments that passed, Molly stood there with baited breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Finally, Helen sighed.

"I'll hold both of you to that, then," Helen replied, wearily. This whole ordeal had been emotionally taxing, and the way her body slumped into her chair showed that it had a physical component as well. "Very well then. But if this is going to work, I need Molly to be honest with me going forward. I think that's something we can all agree is necessary."

Molly... smiled an uneasy smile. Not out of lack of sincerity, but shame for her own behavior. "Don't worry, Aunt Helen. I'm done hiding things."

Helen nodded. "Then... I'll give you a chance. All of you. For my niece's sake. And right now... all I want to do is go home, and hear about all of this in Molly's own words."