The sky was soft gray, the kind that hinted rain but held back just enough to keep the air cool and pleasant. It was early afternoon, and the house was quiet. Richard was working in his study, and the baby had just gone down for a nap. Ann was folding laundry in the living room when Victor appeared in the doorway. He cleared his throat. “Ann.” She looked up, startled. “Yes, Mr. Knight?” Victor shifted uncomfortably. “Would you mind… taking a walk with me?” Ann blinked. “A walk?” “Yes. Just outside. The weather’s nice, and I… I’d like to talk.” Her first instinct was to say no. Every time they’d spoken before, it had been stiff, tense, or painful. But something about his tone softer than usual, not demanding made her pause. “Alright,” she said, setting the laundry aside.
They walked out th
