A cold feeling settled in Elena’s chest.
Not because she believed every detail yet. She had spent years in courtrooms learning that emotions could blur facts. Evidence mattered. Truth needed patience.
But her father’s sadness was something she couldn’t ignore.
“Dad, why didn’t you tell a doctor? A neighbor? Anyone?”
Thomas gave a small, tired smile.
“When you are eighty years old, people start making decisions for you before they ask what you think.”
A knock came from the other side of the door.
“Everything okay in there?” Chloe called.
Elena quickly placed her phone in her pocket.
“Yes,” she answered calmly. “Dad just needs a few minutes.”
The silence outside told her Chloe was listening.
Elena helped her father finish getting ready. She chose her words carefully.
“We’re going downstairs,” she said. “And we’re going to act normal.”
Thomas looked worried.
“Why?”
“Because I need time.”
