Kathy and Anthony entered the dining room hand in hand, their steps perfectly synchronized. The light chatter faded as everyone turned to watch the couple approach. With a gentle smile, Anthony released Kathy’s hand and gracefully pulled out a chair for her, motioning for her to sit. She offered him a grateful look as she settled in, and he took the seat beside her, his presence quietly reassuring.
Seth, seated across the table, kept his gaze fixed on Kathy. There was a hopeful pause, as if he was waiting for her to acknowledge her mother. But Kathy remained silent, her eyes cast downward. The tension at the table grew palpable.
Unable to bear the uncomfortable silence, Grace stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the hardwood floor. Without a word, she left the dining room, her depa
