stacked on the kitchen counter like silent accusations, and Kai's garage, once bustling, hit a slow season. The hum of

ely covered groceries. She learned to stretch meals, to smile through worry, and t

past came

tension in his jaw told another story. Later, she found a letter tucked under the door, its words like poiso

every time she tried, Kai deflected with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. And so the

ent to find Kai sitting in the dark, his hands clenched, his phon

ispered. "Wha

first time, she saw fear