The silence at the moment caused a silent uproar in Timothy’s heart.

Angela forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Nothing's wrong," she said, her voice steady. "I really don’t know when Mom will be back."

Timothy's eyes relaxed, the tension easing away. With a nod, they continued their walk back home, the silence between them now filled with lingering anxiety.

Once they reached the house, the day stretched out before them. Timothy made a conscious effort to engage Isabella in conversations, his laughter, and light-hearted stories filled the rooms.

He wanted to keep her spirits high, sensing that she needed a distraction. More than that, Timothy...