Race whipped around at the sound of footsteps rapidly descending the staircase. He was just in time to see his daughter bolt past him and snatch her coat off the hook by the door. He walked over by her and put his hands on his hips in an attempt to establish his authority.
"Just where do you think you're going?"
Jessie kept her back to him as she put her coat on hastily.
"Out."
Her father frowned.
"Don't speak to me in that tone, Jessica. I expect you to answer me when I ask you a question."
Slowly, she turned to face him and Race could see that she was crying. His forehead creased in worry and he tentatively put a hand out in an attempt to console her. She jerked away from his touch and again turned away.
"I don't feel like dealing with anybody right now, just leave me alone."
"Ponchita-"
Jessie turned to her father again, eyes begging for him not to ask her about what had caused her pain.
"Just be sure to get back before it's too late."
She nodded and opened the door.
Race stopped her again.
"This is especially important because your mother will get here tonight."
A slight smile graced her lips. Nobody really had even the slightest idea of how badly she needed her mother right now. She stepped outside into the brisk air and stretched a little.
Then she ran like hell.