Compared to the playful banter of the Turner siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman couldn't hold back their tears the moment they saw their daughter covered in bruises and scars.
Mrs. Sherman wrapped her arms around Shirley's shoulders, convulsing with uncontrollable sobs. Shirley could only pat her mother's back to soothe her, repeatedly promising that she was fine—she really was. Her injuries would fade after a period of rest, so there was no need to worry too much.
Under her repeated assurances, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman finally managed to rein in their grief.
Perhaps feeling that this city held far too much negativity for their family, Mrs. Sherman wiped her tears and announced that they were moving. They would move to a place where no one knew them and start anew. Naturally, Shirley and Mr. Sherman had no objections.
