The front door clicked shut behind Aniela, and the soft hum of the night outside seemed almost loud in the suddenly tense room.
Her mother’s sharp eyes were on her instantly, piercing through the calm facade Aniela tried to keep.
“What’s all this?” Olivia asked, voice tight with concern. “Where have you been?”
Aniela froze, the weight of the question pressing down on her chest. She opened her mouth, hesitated, then answered softly.
“I… I’ve been at my part-time,” she said, trying to sound casual, though the words felt hollow even to her.
Her mother’s brow furrowed. “Do you even know what time it is?” The tone was gentle but layered with worry.
Aniela shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward Orifiel, who had been standing quietly nearby, unsure how to intervene.
Mrs. Kaufman—Olivia—tur
