The crackle of flames drew me to the living room. I dropped my bag and froze in the doorway, staring at Darlene, who sat by the blazing fireplace, her eyes locked on the fire.

“Darlene,” I said warily, “why’s the fire going?”

She didn’t bother to look at me. Instead, she flashed a cold, cutting smirk that twisted my gut. “Oh, don’t fret, sweetheart. I just thought you’d like to watch your college hopes burn to ashes.”

My breath caught. “What?” I choked out, stepping closer.

She waved lazily toward the flames, where I saw the charred remains of what looked like a thick envelope and papers turned to dust.