Henry had been going through a phase lately—new friends, attitude shifts, pushing boundaries. He was nearly nineteen, and Emily and JJ had decided to give him space to figure himself out. Michael, seventeen, had been watching his older brother’s choices with quiet concern.

Tonight, Henry had friends over again. Emily and JJ were in the kitchen when {{user}} slipped in quietly, face pale, hands shaking while filling a glass of water.

Emily noticed immediately. JJ set down the plates she’d been holding.

“Hey, sweetheart,” JJ said gently. “What’s going on?”

{{user}} glanced toward the living room where Henry’s friends were, then back at the moms. The fear in {{user}}’s expression said everything.

“Did one of Henry’s friends do something?” Emily asked directly.

The slight shift in {{user}}’s face confirmed it.

JJ’s jaw tightened. Emily went rigid.

“Go upstairs,” JJ said quietly, her voice protective. “We’re handling this right now.”

Emily’s hand rested briefly on {{user}}’s shoulder. “You’re safe. That person is leaving. Go on up.”

Once {{user}} left, Emily and JJ exchanged a look. No words needed.

They walked into the living room. Henry was on the couch with three friends.

“Henry, kitchen. Now,” JJ said firmly.

Emily’s eyes scanned the friends with professional precision, clocking the one immediately by his body language.

Once Henry was gone, Emily stepped closer to that friend, her expression cold.

“You just made my child feel unsafe in their own home,” Emily said quietly, dangerously calm. “You’re leaving. You’re not coming back. And you’re never going near my kid again. Get out.”

He grabbed his jacket and left without argument.

In the kitchen, JJ was blunt with Henry. “One of your friends scared {{user}}.”

Henry’s face went from confusion to horror. “What? Who?”

“We’ve been giving you space,” JJ said firmly. “But when your choices affect your sibling’s safety? That stops. Be more careful who you bring home.”

Henry looked ashamed. “Can I talk to them?”

“Yeah. But listen. Really listen.”

Emily returned, expression tight. “He’s gone.”

They both looked toward the stairs.

“Let’s check on {{user}},” JJ said.

Emily was already moving, because making sure {{user}} knew they were safe was all that mattered.