As Anna stepped out of the guest room, her phone began to ring. She halted mid-step and answered at once. Liam’s name glowed on the screen.
“Hello? What’s wrong, Liam?” she asked softly.
“Has Mom arrived?” Liam’s voice sounded even, but Anna could hear the concern beneath it.
“Yes. She just got here. I told her to rest first,” Anna replied.
“Hm… okay.”
There was a brief pause. “Is there something else you wanted to say?” Anna asked.
“I’ll be coming home late tonight. Could you stay with Mom?”
“Of course,” Anna answered without hesitation.
“And… help talk to her,” Liam added. “You understand what I mean, right?”
“I do. Don’t worry. Just focus on your work,” she said gently.
“Thank you, Anna.”
This time, his voice carried a warmth that made a faint smile curve Anna’s lips.
When t
