After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

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.”

returned, and Nuca couldn’t help but feel

found a semblance of peace, even if the rest of the house felt

phone and answered with a soft, almost tender tone,

voice a stark contrast to the silence

mud reach for her glass of

dull ache in her chest as she watched him speak

his expression unreadable

in his

bond, and yet here she was feeling like a spectator

told herself time and again not to let it get to her, that she was above these

mantra, the hurt was always

call, shipping the phone into his pocket without a

didn’t meet her gaze

histone reverting to its usual detached coolnes

her face neutral even though a knot was tightening in her stomach

she said, her voce

constructed exterior.

Chapter 37

voice broke the silence. Tad, was

glancing

“Yes,” he admitted

her?” Alex asked, his bright eyes

briefly before nodding

I need to discuss

for further questions, be exited the room, leaving an awkward tension hanging in the air.

mother, his young face etched

I go with Dad to see Aunt

smile. though her heart

sweetheart,”