Pania was gardening on the front lawn when Keith pulled up.

"Hello Ms. Harley. The flower bed really is looking good," said Keith.

Ms. Harley smiled, "The weeds like them too." And she continued, "You're still in uniform. Is everything okay?"

"Everything is great. Brianna wanted me to come over as soon I finished work. She was upset that I couldn't make it for the luncheon," Keith told her.

"Well, don't tell Brianna anything, but your parents are invited over next Saturday night for dinner. I looked tried to look their number up. The name Riley is just so common," stated Ms. Harley.

"Thank you. It'll just be my mom. I could call from the bathroom," replied Keith.

Ms. Harley looked up, "What about your father?"

Keith's friendly face quickly grew saddened. And he commented, "Dad died in a car accident when I was 12 years old. Everyone raves about him being an exceptional mechanic, which leads me to believe it was a drunk driving accident".

Ms. Harley got up from the bed of petunias, dusted her clothes and gave Keith a warm long hug. Adding with sympathy, "I am truly sorry to hear about your father. He'd be happy that his son is a good man."

Some tears started to roll from Keith's eyes.

"Please don't cry. Or I'll start crying," Ms. Harley lovingly added. "And actually, I'd prefer to call her myself. Could I have your mother's telephone number," Ms Harley asked Keith?

"Sure. I'll text it to your mobile. Right now," said Keith.

Ms Harley commented, "Fantastic!"

Keith's tears turned uncontrollable. He started walking toward his Honda. And he called out to Ms. Harley, "Please, let Brianna know that an emergency came up and that I'll be back a little later."

"Definitely. Take your time," agreed Ms Hurley. "And don't eat dinner. I think Brianna is trying to make Chicken & Broccoli with Blondies tonight."

The rush of tears only allowed Keith to wave a goodbye.

Ms. Harley looked at the car until it was out of sight and sound. Then, she made a mad dash for the house. And she bellowed while entering the door, "Cole! Jeanie! Brianna!"

They all ran to the living room.
"Cole and Jeanie - go outside and put all the gardening tools in the shed. Then, water the lawn, backyard and front yard. Now," ordered Pania. "And Brianna, go to your room. I'm going to talk to you in a few minutes!"

Brianna replied, "I didn't do anything wrong."

"You never do anything," Pania yelled, "Move it. Now!"