What! Hell no!"

"Ah!" she shouted, her hand flying to her heart.

Her aunt's worried expression softened into relief as she called out, "Kiara!"

Kiara's voice was still shaking as she replied, "Mom..."

"I was frantic with worry when you didn't respond to Ethan's message! I asked him to text you and find out where you'd gone, but you didn't even bother to reply.

I assume you were too caught up in the party to think about your poor mother waiting up for you."

Kiara opened her mouth to apologize, but her aunt cut her off.

"You left me worried sick, Kiara! And what time do you call this?!" She glared at the clock on the wall, her voice rising in indignation. "9:30 at night!

"Is this how things are done here? Kiara, I know you're a grown woman now, but as your Aunt and guardian, I still feel responsible for your well-being.

In our culture, family looks out for one another, no matter how old you get."