Amelia’s POV
Two weeks had passed, and Daniel’s absence had become a hollow ache that I buried beneath work and forced smiles for Mark. Each day, I reassured my son with empty words, trying to rekindle the joy in his eyes. But no amount of games or distractions could erase the shadow that Daniel had left behind.
Mark had grown quieter, his laughter replaced with long, searching glances at the café door everyday or his favorite soccer ball. I wanted to hate Daniel for doing this to him—again—but the truth was, I hated myself more for allowing it. I shouldn’t have allowed it. I should never have let Daniel get so close to Mark.
That evening, after picking Mark up from school, I decided to take him straight to the café. The routine would keep us grounded, I told myself. Mark trailed behind
