The Cleaner: The Car

"Now, since you are having trouble getting home on time," Zoe said. "Tomorrow, Jon can take the car and drop you off on our way to school." Jon had gotten his license a few months earlier. "Then we can pick you up and make sure you get home on time." Linda looked at her. _Was she serious?_ "What?" "Well, I'm not sure what's going on with you lately...but it's like you are only half here most of the time..." Zoe put a hand on her shoulder. "We're just worried about you..." On one level, it was very sweet, on another, she still had that weird feeling something was off. But, she was having trouble saying no. "Fine.." she said. "Now, did you bring any work home with you?" Zoe said. "Yes..." "So, after dinner, you can clear the table and then get started on it." "Okay, Zoe..." she said. It seemed to make sense. After dinner, Linda went to clear the dishes, and Jon and Zoe sat on the couch. "See?" Jon told her. "All we have to do is remind her of what she has to do." "Yes, at least she's doing her chores finally..." "It's just a phase she's going through...it will pass," Jon said, evenly.