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 a small sense

the rest of the

the phone and answered with

voice a stark contrast to the silence that had blanketed the room moments ago.

for her glass of water.

a dull ache in her chest as she watched him speak

his expression unreadable but unmistakably

in his

and yet here she was feeling like a spectator in her

told herself time and again not to let it

matter how many times the repeated the mantra, the hurt was always there, lurking beneath her

the call, shipping the phone into his pocket without

didn’t meet

have to go,” he said leakly, histone

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

voce calm, almost too

constructed exterior.

Chapter 37

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

tracks, glancing

“Yes,” he admitted

asked, his bright eyes

hesitated briefly before nodding

to discuss some things

further questions, be exited the room,

his mother, his young face

with Dad to see

though her

ask him, sweetheart,” she said gently.