Emily barged into her home, slamming the door shut behind her as if the act could seal away the storm brewing inside her. Her hands trembled as she turned the lock, securing her fragile world from the outside.
Tears brimmed in her eyes, threatening to spill, but she clenched her jaw tightly, refusing to break down where the streetlights could witness her pain.
The moment she crossed the threshold into her room, however, the dam burst. Her bag flew into the corner like a discarded thought, and she collapsed onto the bed, her face buried in her pillows as sobs racked her body.
The house was quiet except for the muffled sound of her anguish. Claire, who had been busy preparing dinner in the kitchen, heard the unmistakable sound of Emily's cries. Without hesitation, she untied her apron a
