TESSA
“Are you alright, dear?” Edith asked, her voice soft yet laced with concern, as I stood at the sink rinsing the last of the plates. Water dripped from my gloved fingers, and steam rose from the basin, carrying with it the faint scent of soap and boiled cabbage from lunch.
I forced a nod, even though my head throbbed with a dull ache that had been lingering since morning. “I’m fine, Edith,” I replied, letting the words fall as casually as I could. My tone might have convinced someone else, but not her.
She pursed her lips, eyes narrowing. “It’s only been days, Rowan, and they’re already asking too much from you. How many roofs have you fixed now? Four? Five? And those swings in the playground—don’t think I didn’t notice you staying late into the night to sand them smooth. That isn’
