Chapter 37

“Mom,” Alex chirped, breaking Arnold’s train of thought. “Can you cook dinner for me tonight? Like you used 107”

Nora opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the shrill ring of Arnold’s phone cut through the moment,

All eyes turned to him as he pulled the device from his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his face tightening ever so slightly.

The name “Linda” flashed on the caller ID.

Nora’s expression didn’t change, but the silence that followed was telling.

Alex’s excitement dimmed as he noticed the shift in the atmosphere.

Arnold hesitated before answering.

“Excuse me,” he muttered, pushing his chair back and stepping out of the room.

Arnold’s voice, though muffled, carried from the hallway.

Nora couldn’t make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable–soft, attentive.

It didn’t bother her the way it might have before. Instead, it was as if a wall separated her from the emotions she used to feel about Arnold

Alex rugged on her sleeve.

“You’ll still cook, at night, right?”

Nora smiled down at him, pushing her own thoughts aside.

“Of course. We’ll make something delicious together.”

but feel a

of peace, even if the rest of the house felt

picked up the phone and answered with a soft, almost tender tone,

contrast to the silence that had blanketed

for her glass of water.

ache in her chest as she watched him

expression unreadable but unmistakably

in his

defending their bond, and yet here she was feeling like a spectator in

and again not to let it get to her, that she was above these emotions.

mantra, the hurt

the call, shipping the phone into

didn’t meet

histone

neutral even though a knot was

she said, her voce calm, almost

constructed exterior.

Chapter 37

leave, Alex’s small voice broke the silence. Tad, was that Aunt Linda on the phone?

glancing back at his son

“Yes,” he admitted

Alex asked, his bright eyes

briefly before

I need to discuss some things with

exited the room, leaving an

his

can I go with Dad to

smile. though her heart sank at the question.

can ask him, sweetheart,” she said

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255