As I enter the bedroom, Jeffrey shuts the door behind me, and I flinch. He narrows his eyes in my direction but does not comment. Instead, he busies himself by stuffing the space underneath the door with what looks like a blanket. I slowly make my way towards Ace, who has settled in his bed ...

“What the hell do you want?” Jeffery barks as if oblivious to the howling wind and swirling snow behind me. I take a deep breath, reminding myself to be humble. Then, I force the words I was rehearsing the entire walk over. “A truce,” I say, and shove the fruitcake I baked the night before ...