She buried herself in work because work was easier than grief.
“I should have visited more,” Elena admitted.
Her brother looked surprised.
“I should have called more. I should have noticed things were changing.”
Thomas reached for her hand.
“You were living your life.”
Elena looked at him.
“And you were my father.”
The room became quiet again.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Julian’s phone rang.
He looked at the screen and walked into the kitchen.
Elena waited.
When he returned, his face was different.
“Who did you call?”
Elena didn’t answer.
“You contacted someone.”
“I spoke to a professional.”
“What professional?”
“Someone who can help us understand the situation.”
Julian looked at Chloe.
Something passed between them.
Fear.
Not anger.
Fear.
And Elena realized something important.
