The next morning, the atmosphere in the Knight household was heavy with unspoken tension. Sarah moved around the kitchen, preparing breakfast with mechanical precision. The clinking of plates and the sizzling of eggs were the only sounds breaking the silence. Hazel, oblivious to the emotional undercurrents between her parents, sat at the table, happily munching on her cereal.
Jack entered the room, his usually confident demeanor slightly subdued. He glanced at Sarah, who didn’t look up from the stove. Clearing his throat, he approached Hazel first.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Jack said, placing a kiss on her forehead.
Hazel beamed at him. “Good morning, Daddy! Are you staying home today?”
Jack hesitated, stealing a glance at Sarah. “Not for long, Hazel. I have a few things to take care
