Once inside, Natalie broke down completely. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “We didn’t mean to scare you or take advantage of you. Things got complicated, and I panicked.” Peter stood motionless, anger and empathy swirling within him. “Why did you take my car?” he finally asked.
Through her tears, Natalie explained. “I got a call about a job opportunity, but it was out of town. I didn’t think I could ask for more help, so I… I took your keys,” she admitted, her voice trembling. Peter listened, torn between compassion and frustration.