The clinking of dishes and the soft rush of running water filled the kitchen. Katherine stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, shoulders tense as she scrubbed at a plate with more force than necessary. The sunlight streaming in from the small window above the sink caught on the wet strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail, making them glisten like tiny shards of glass.
In the living room, Maya and Nathan were sprawled on the floor, surrounded by the toys Leonard had brought. Maya was making her plush animal hop across the carpet, while Nathan was concentrating on fitting puzzle pieces together, his brows knit in quiet focus.
Leonard lingered by the dining table, watching Katherine's back. He could feel the thin wall she'd built up since the news segment played earlier. She hadn't said much after breakfast, speaking only to the twins, her voice polite but clipped when it came to him.
He picked up his coffee cup, took a slow sip, and then set it down. Enough waiting.
