LUCA
I didn't bother looking at my father. I was too tired to argue. Too tired for the tense silence pressing down on the room.
Instead, I turned to Alina, still standing in the doorway.
"Come and eat," I said.
She didn't move.
She stared at my father like she was seeing a ghost, her body stiff like she was preparing for another fight.
I sighed, pushed my chair back, and stood. I walked over, took her hand, and pulled her toward the table. Her fingers were cold in mine, and for once, she let me lead her without a word.
That was strange.
I almost wanted to laugh. She had fought me over everything so far. Argued, pushed, tested me at every turn. And now, when I expected resistance, she was quiet?
Maybe she was as tired as I was.
I pulled out a chair for her. S
