Chapter VII
August 11, 2000
William and Emily walked into his father’s home for Willow’s seventeenth birthday.
It surprised him she had accepted the invitation. He figured she wouldn’t want to
spend Friday night with his family.
“Hey, William,” Daniel said as they entered the home. He walked up to the couple at
the doorway. “You must be Emily. It's nice to finally meet you.”
“It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Further,” Emily responded. Neither seemed to know
if they were supposed to shake hands or hug. They did neither.
“Grandma's in the kitchen,” Daniel told them. “Willow picked Chinese food for
dinner so we got a few types of chicken and some beef dinner.”
“That sounds delicious,” Emily responded.
William led Emily to the kitchen dining area. Willow and Patty were setting the
table. They had boxes of food spread out like a buffet on the island past the
kitchen table.
William checked out the spread. There were three chicken entrees, Mongolian beef,
shrimp, egg rolls, crab Rangoon, and two types of rice. He had asked for pizza on
his birthday. Next time, he might have to try something different.
“Grandma, Willow,” William introduced them. “This is Emily. Emily, this is my
grandma and sister, Willow.”