Sasha walked into the house quietly, her sandals still dusted with grains of beach sand. Stella and Cody trailed behind her, voices low as if they both knew the silence pressing on her chest.
Cody's hand brushed her arm lightly. "You should eat something before you rest. You haven't had anything since morning."
She shook her head immediately, her voice dry. "No. I'm not hungry, Cody. I just need... to lie down. That's all."
Cody sighed, exchanged a quick look with Stella, then rubbed his neck. "Alright. I'll leave you to it then. Don't overthink, okay?" His tone held concern, but he didn't push further. He turned and walked away toward the other wing of the house.
Sasha stood still for a moment, shoulders heavy. Stella didn't move, her hand still clutched to her purse, her eyes studyin
