The apartment exposed how few practical skills the family possessed.

At Oakridge, groceries appeared in the refrigerator according to a weekly plan. Meals were prepared in advance or arranged through a service. Cleaning supplies remained stocked, towels were replace

Rain began shortly before midnight.

By then, Maya had already been examined by a paramedic and released. She had mild smoke exposure but required no hospital treatment. The emergency responders confirmed that she was physically safe.

Evelyn’s driver arrived wit

Three weeks later, Richard stood in Aisle 4 of SuperMart Depot.

He wore a blue polyester vest over a white shirt and dark trousers. A yellow badge displayed his first name in block letters.

RICHARD

The job was temporary, arranged through an employment agency while he se