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 small

of peace, even if the rest of the house felt like a

answered with

voice a stark contrast to the silence

froze mud reach for her glass of

dull ache in her chest as she watched

away, his expression unreadable

in his

their bond, and yet here she

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

matter how many times the repeated the mantra, the hurt was

the call, shipping the phone into

didn’t meet

histone

though a knot was tightening in her

her voce calm,

constructed exterior.

Chapter 37

leave, Alex’s small voice broke the silence. Tad, was that

stopped in his tracks, glancing back at his son

“Yes,” he admitted

you going to see her?” Alex asked, his bright eyes flickering

hesitated briefly

need to discuss some things with her.”

room, leaving an

his mother, his young face etched with confusion.

can I go with Dad

forced a smile. though her heart sank at

ask him, sweetheart,” she

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