By the time evening fell, rain was pouring relentlessly outside, drumming steadily on the roof and against the glass windows as they finished dinner. Her older brother, Levi, had arrived home from work and joined them at the table. It had been a while since all four of them shared a meal together. Despite the heaviness of the day, there was comfort in the familiarity.
After the meal, they all moved to the living room. Lara found herself curled up on the couch, nestled in her mother’s embrace like she was a child again. Her father and Levi had made their way to the bar area just a few steps away. From where she sat, she could hear the low rumble of their voices, and although they tried to keep their tones neutral, she could pick up enough of their words to know they were talking about Luca
