Stephanie didn’t leave.
Emma didn’t ask her to.
It just… happened.
One moment they were standing in the hallway, the weight of everything unsaid pressing between them—
And the next, they were in the kitchen.
Ordering food they didn’t really want. Opening a bottle of wine neither of them needed.
At first, it felt unfamiliar.
Then… easier.
Then safe.
For the first time in days, Emma laughed.
Not because anything was particularly funny—
But because Stephanie was there.
Because for a few hours, the world outside didn’t exist.
*****
They were halfway through their food when Stephanie spoke.
Casually.
Like it wasn’t something important.
“Dad’s doing better.”
Emma looked up immediately.
“What?”
Stephanie smiled, softer this time.
“The doctors say his treatment is finally work
