"Everything has been taken care of," Ms. Knight declares. "Those troublemaking college students will face the consequences of their actions. Charges have been filed against them, and I just finished the necessary paperwork. It's finally time to go home. I'm mentally exhausted right now."
"Goodbye, Molly. If you'd like, you can come visit the Palm Woods. I consider you my new friend," Katie offers.
"Wow, thank you, Katie. I think I'll visit in the near future. Goodbye," Molly responds.
In the car, Logan sits in the back seat, trying to stretch as much as he can within the limited space. He attempts to relax and recover from the ordeal he went through. To ease the pain in his head, he drinks ice-cold water and takes Tylenol before falling asleep. Camille watches him with concern.
"He's fine, Cami," Kendall reassures her, noticing her worry.
"I know, but I can't help but worry. He was so brave and confident to stand up to those cruel college boys. And all he got in return was a slap in the face. He didn't deserve that," Camille expresses.
"You're right, but he knew the risks. Bullies often respond physically when someone stands up to them," Kendall acknowledges. "It's an unfortunate reality."
After an arduous two-hour journey, they finally pulled into the Palm Woods parking lot. To their surprise, Jo was there to greet them.
"Hey there, guys. Glad to see you made it back in one piece. What's with the mysterious bruises on Katie and Logan's faces?" she inquired.
"It's all in the message I sent you," Kendall replied as he stepped out of the car. "But I have to say, it's good to see you, Jo. I really missed you."
As they gathered their belongings, Mrs. Knight urged someone to rouse Logan from his slumber.
"Logan, wake up! We're home!" James bellowed, unable to contain his laughter at Logan's startled reaction.
"Ah! Why must you shout like that? I nearly had an accident!" Logan scowled as he crawled out of the car.
"You're just too easy to scare, buddy," James teased, earning a glare from Logan.
"I don't see the humor in this like you do," Logan grumbled. "At least now I can find some peace and quiet in the bathroom." With that, he disappeared into the Palm Woods, seeking solace in the restroom.
"James, why did you have to be so dramatic in waking him up? A gentle nudge would have sufficed," Kendall scolds. "He's been stressed all day and now he's even more upset with you."
"I was just trying to lighten the mood," James defends himself.
"He was caught off guard, how is that funny?" Kendall retorts.
"He meant well," Camille interjects.
"Thanks, Cami, at least someone understands," James says, hugging her.
"I'm not taking sides, I just want peace between you two," Camille says diplomatically. "Let's move on from this."
Katie!" Tyler rushes over to embrace her with excitement. "I have missed you greatly. My mom has been relentless in dragging me to embarrassing commercial auditions. I had to do commercials for underwear, vegetables, and clothes that are not my style. The other kids at the game room even started teasing me because of those commercials. I am relieved that you are back."
"I missed you as well, Tyler. I am sorry you had to endure all of that. I will make sure those kids who teased you learn their lesson. They will not be mean to you again, I promise," Katie reassures him.
"Thank you, Katie. I am grateful to have you as my best friend. You and the guys make living here so much more enjoyable. The atmosphere is completely different when you are around. Mr. Bitters has been exceptionally cruel in your absence. I am on the verge of losing my mind. He has been making fat jokes about me every time I pass through the lobby, even laughing when I am upset," Tyler shares.
"That is unacceptable. We all know Mr. Bitters can be unpleasant, but resorting to fat-shaming is crossing a line," Jo comments.
"Were you not aware of how much worse Mr. Bitters was behaving while we were away?" Katie inquires.
Jo responded, "I did, but I chose to disregard him because my emotions are not delicate enough to fall prey to his unkindness."
Katie retorted, "So Tyler's are? Are you suggesting that he has fragile emotions and is feeble-minded enough to be emotionally hurt by Mr. Bitters' harsh words?"
Jo quickly clarified, "Oh no, Katie, that's not what I meant at all."
Katie persisted, "It certainly sounds like you're insinuating that."
Seeking support, Jo turned to Kendall and said, "A little assistance here, Kendall. She's interrogating me. I need your backing right now. Why aren't you intervening?"
Kendall calmly responded, "You upset her, not me. She feels like you've insulted Tyler. Convince her otherwise."
Jo sighed, "I just did. She won't listen."
Kendall questioned, "What makes you think she'll listen to me any differently?"
Jo pointed out, "You're her older brother. It's your responsibility to make her listen to you."
Kendall corrected, "Incorrect. My role is to set a good example for her. She doesn't always heed my advice. It frustrates me, but I can't force her to listen. That will only make her more resistant."
Feeling helpless, Jo asked, "So you're not going to assist me at all?"
Kendall advised, "Use your sisterly charm and be assertive with her. You'll handle it well."