[Luis Gonzalez]

So, when Mrs. Van Dam went out for the night the people she left with are called, in every account of the story, her friends. Yet, when the same people come back later that night home with her, they are "strangers"?

How do you figure?

[Selara]

So, when Mrs. Van Dam went out for the night the people she left with are called, in every account of the story, her friends. Yet, when the same people come back later that night home with her, they are "strangers"?

I considered not replying to you, Luis, because you seem locked on to your belief that parental actions can have no effect on their children's lives, and I find that irrational.

However, in the interest of acuracy, as I recall, I wrote "comparative strangers," rather than strangers. Varying accounts say Mom went out with "the girls", but other accounts indicate men were involved at the bar, and later at the home. She has stated that she talked to the neighbor two doors down from her only a few times, yet he has indicated a different story.

People met in a bar, even if interacted with several hours, are "comparative strangers" when it comes to letting them into your house with your children, especially if the parent is in an intoxicated state. Hope this clarifies things for you.