The house felt strangely quiet after everything that had happened. Jamie had finally fallen asleep on the couch in his room, curled up under a thin blanket, his face still stained with dried tears. His tiny hands were clenched into fists even as he slept. Daniel sat nearby, staring at the floor, his thoughts scattered like broken glass.

Lena entered the room holding a warm drink and placed it gently on the table. She moved slowly, carefully, as if unsure what to say or how to act. The tension between them was thick, hanging in the air like smoke.

Daniel finally broke the silence. His voice was quiet, but firm....