"Come with me," Ezra commanded, gripping Dawn's arm with urgency as he marched toward the house. His jaw was clenched, muscles taut, and his focus was unwavering. He intended to confront her in the room and demand to know what game she was playing.
Dawn allowed herself to be pulled along, offering no resistance. In truth, she relished the assertiveness, following him in silence.
As they passed through the parlor, Dawn noticed little Noah, who watched with a mix of bewilderment and confusion. "Mommy," he whispered, his eyes tracking Ezra and Dawn's movements, hoping for acknowledgment from Ezra.
When Noah ran to hug Ezra, he expected to be embraced in return, expecting his father to rejoice at his presence. Instead, Ezra ignored him, causing a wave of sadness to wash over the boy's face.
"Wait for me, Noah. I'll be right back," Dawn assured him, and he nodded, understanding despite the hurt in his eyes.
