Ann Romono, recently divorced and filled with apprehension, faces her first significant choice. Her elder daughter, Julie, desires a camping excursion with a friend and a couple of male companions. Julie’s ultimatum hangs in the air: she wi…

Ann's new companion extended an invitation for her to join him for the weekend.

A shadow of apprehension clung to Ann; she suspected the girls were drifting away, drawn instead to their father’s composed and reliable companion.

"Julie," Ann said, her voice sharp, "this is utterly inappropriate. Flirting with Mr. Harrison during exams is not only disrespectful, it's frankly appalling."

Following a date, David and Ann settled into the comfortable embrace of the couch, but Barbara and Julie intervened, effectively halting any romantic advance. Undeterred, David decided the moment was right to propose, giving Ann a week to c…

Julie’s new companion possessed an air of superiority, a consequence of wealth, and soon a subtle shift occurred in Julie’s demeanor. She began requesting finer garments and pressed Ann to arrange for her admission to a more esteemed school…

Ann was hosting a gathering in her apartment, inviting neighbors from the building. As the event drew nearer, a familiar wave of pre-party anxiety washed over her, a feeling exacerbated by Schneider’s unexpected arrival. He bustled in with …

Julie’s boyfriend expressed a desire to remain out through the night.

Incensed by an exorbitant phone bill, Ann composed a letter of complaint to the President, a missive that unexpectedly drew the attention of the Secret Service and landed her in considerable trouble.

Ann found David and a young woman in a state of undress.

Julie found work as a waitress in a diner on the less reputable side of town, a place marked by a certain weariness.

Julie had a date planned with a young man from college, though he seemed to harbor a clear inclination toward Ann.

David found himself persuaded by the girls to act as chaperone for a gathering while Ann was absent.

The news arrived with a quiet weight: Ann’s former husband had announced his intention to marry again. This is the first of two installments.

Barbara made the announcement with a certain childlike certainty: her parents had reconciled. **(Part 2 of 2)**