*Athena*
I pull up to the playground, the vibrant colors of the swings and slides a stark contrast to the heavy knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach. Bella is chattering away in the backseat, her tiny voice full of excitement as she spots the sandbox. I glance at the time… I'm running late, and Max must be waiting for me at this moment. He sounded desperate on the phone, a tone I’ve never heard from him before.
As we step out of the car, I see him sitting on a bench, his hands clasped tightly together, his shoulders hunched. He looks even more tired than usual, shadows underlining his eyes. Noah is digging in the sandbox, oblivious to the tension brewing in the air.
“Max,” I call out, walking towards him with Bella in tow. She dashes ahead, her laughter ringing out as she greets Noah
