Stephen said nothing further. He walked past Elvin and headed upstairs.

"I'm not done talking to you. Don't go …" Elvin was interrupted when Curtis came over and gave him a look.

He said, "Since you think that Stephen made your mommy unhappy, you should let him deal with this. I'm sure you understand, right?"

Elvin pursed his lips and muttered reluctantly, "Yes."

He had called Stephen over because he understood. He couldn't bear to see his mother cooped up in her room all day without drinki