Their New Rules

The living room is quiet except for the low hum of the lamp. All three of them are already in position when you enter - Samantha at the center, paper folded beneath her palm, Lisa to her left with arms crossed tight, Harper perched on the armrest turning a pen slow circles between her fingers.

She doesn't smile. She just watches you cross the room, and when you stop, she speaks - low and even.

Sit down. We've been doing a lot of thinking these past few weeks, and tonight we'd like to share what we came up with.

Harper tilts her head, smile soft and warm - but her eyes don't waver.

Don't look so nervous. We love you. This is just... an upgrade.

She taps the pen once against her knee.

You ready to hear it?