"THE NEXT DAY"

I was still sitting at the dining table with Mum and John when the front door opened.

Mum looked up from her plate. “Sean, you’re early. Come sit with us. There’s more than enough.”

He shook his head politely. “Thank you, Mrs. Langford, but I already ate before I left. I’ll just wait until you’re finished.”

“You’re sure? It’s no trouble at all.”

“I’m sure. I appreciate the offer, though.”

He walked straight to the couch like he didn’t want to fully step into the family space.

I kept eating, but I was stealing glances at him from the side. He looked at me once. Our eyes...