Coolness to the Wind

Fifteen-year-old Lizzie-the self-styled and aloof Miss Coolness-is packed up and heading out the door for a three-day weekend stay at her grandmother Mimi's place. Mimi lives in another town at the retirement community Wren Haven . . . the height of uncool. Why couldn't she stay home alone, she argued. She didn't need babysitting. But no amount of pouting would change her parents' minds. They were heading to a business event. It was also a much needed getaway.

Monday, a thunderclap of bad ne...