The Importance of Being Decent

Emma Hart sat in the backyard of the villa, bundled up in a thick coat, surrounded by various small treats made by Mrs. Harris herself. She was sketching Bailey, who was napping nearby. This month had been quite pleasant for her, largely because her grandmother hadn't pestered her for money.

 

Although she didn't understand why, Emma knew that when it came to her grandmother, no news was good news.

 

"You seem to be in a great mood lately!" Damien Sterling remarked, watching her paint from a wicker swing.

 

"Yeah, I never realized before how beautiful our backyard is," Emma replied.

 

"That's because you were always trying to escape before, so you couldn't appreciate its beauty," Damien said.

 

However, good things never last long.

 

"Mrs. Sterling, your phone!" Mrs. Harris hurriedly ran out from the house, holding Emma's phone.