Just as Ethan was caught up in yet another tense exchange with his parents, Ava sat quietly at the dining table beside Rebecca. She absentmindedly picked at her meal, her fork scraping lightly against the plate, the soft clinking sound filling the silence between them. For a brief moment, she seemed almost lost in the rhythm of eating, as if she was trying to convince herself to enjoy the food despite the heavy atmosphere that clung to the house like a shadow.
Then, without warning, a thunderous slam echoed from the front door, jolting both Ava and Rebecca out of their fragile calm.
Ava's hand froze halfway to her mouth, and her wide eyes flicked instinctively toward Rebecca, silently asking the question her lips refused to form.
Rebecca, however, did not need to ask.
