~ Cole ~
I know something’s off before she even says anything.
I didn't want to start a fight or ask questions.
I noticed it yesterday.
The day before too.
But I didn’t say anything.
Not because I didn’t want to.
Because I wanted to see if she’d tell me on her own.
She hasn’t.
So now I’m standing in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, watching her pretend she’s focused on pouring juice into a glass like it requires full concentration.
She doesn’t look up.
Lily is in the living room, watching TV.
Everything looks normal.
Feels normal.
But it’s not.
It hasn’t been for a while.
“Mara,” I call
She hums lightly.
“Yeah?”
Still not looking at me.
I tilt my head slightly, studying her.
“You busy?”
That gets a small reaction.
Her shoulders tense just a little.
“No,” sh
