A day came and went. The sun set on the horizon an hour ago. The city's artificial lights came on in most households, especially the mansions.
One particular mansion, though, stayed mostly dark, only a few rooms burning brightly in the early night.
Thea brought the invitation home, but couldn't explain the reason to her parents. The shame still scorched her heart, and she couldn't bear witnessing the disappointment on her family's faces.
Instead of telling the whole truth about her mistakes, Thea lied and told that a friend invited them to dinner. She told them to dress fancily, and so when the time approached 9 pm, everyone stood ready in the living room.
Thea's father, Marc, wore an elegant and very expansive military suit, and a matching cap, which hid his bald head. His light blue eyes burned with joy as he stood and joked around with his son, Marko.
