Serada followed Addison by 8 years chronologically; in practice, she loved to follow Addison everywhere she went around their home, much to the annoyance of the older sister.

Both of the Salston children were well respected by those involved in the school system; Serada at Suffolk Village School, Addison through Suffolk and now at Thurrock Regional High School. Ask one of their teachers at any given level, and the responses could have been recorded for playback year after year, for either child: class mediators who helped calm disagreements and find middle ground; reach out and befriend new students, wholly respectful, wonderful to have in class.

They were very different personalities, but teachers chose to focus on actions, not personalities. Addison was introspective, more inclined to take in what she heard and saw, let it settle and digest. Serada was a go with the flow kind of child.

There were the obvious differences associated with age. Addison was reaching for independence where Serada was immersed in the wonders of childhood. Addie was also more tuned in to things Serada would never notice. And recently, she picked up on the increasing parental tension.

When her dad arrived home from work, he spent decreasing time with Ronnie, and more time online, surfing the newly installed internet. Ronnie was often angry with Tim; and she would get upset over Tim spending so much time on message boards, chatting with others.

A few months had passed since she first thought on this issue; recently things were much worse, and Addie was increasingly concerned. Three nights before, Addie walked by her dad interacting online, and came away with the impression her dad was chatting on a gay website.

Should she talk with her mum? Should she talk with her dad? Should she ignore the whole thing? For the three days Addison wrestled over what she wished to do. Addie’s choice was to say something to her mum, but pulled back most of her suspicion, leaving it at ‘was surprised at what I saw.’ Ronnie asked for more information once; when Addie pulled back, she dropped the matter, leaving Addie with an excuse about joking around.

Addie did not buy the explanation, but she did pretend to be satisfied. She filed it away in her mind and lost herself in the complicated world of teen life.

For Ronnie, Addie’s observation meant what she would later lament and recall as the first showdown, was nigh.