Max's concerns melted away, at least for the time being, as her parents were more then happy to see their little girl had survived the storm, showering her with affection before embracing Chloe (who was practically family herself) with a similar level of affection and giving Kate a warm and heartfelt welcome before Max's dad had to rush back to the kitchen before the pasta boiled over.
After helping to set the table, Max and Co sat down as Max's father brought out dinner.
"Hope you girls brought your appetites." He said with a dorky smile.
As he settled into his seat, Max's mom asked the question Max was dreading, wanting to know everything that had happened. Max looked to Chloe, then to Kate, then back to her parents, breathing deeply as Chloe put her hand on Max's thigh . . .
"Ok . . . it all started on October 7th . . ."
Max and Co finally find safe harbor at last . . . but Max does have some explaining to do.