Chapter 263: The Weight of Action
The morning sun climbed higher, spilling golden light across the kitchen floor. The pancakes were gone. The coffee had grown cold. But no one had moved from their seats.
My father sat with his hands folded, staring at the table. My mother kept glancing at him, then away. Lilith stood at the sink, her back to us, scrubbing the same plate for far too long.
I broke the silence.
"Father, when will you call the Haltons?"
He looked up. "Today. After I've had time to think."
"Don't think too long." My voice was gentle but firm. "Grandmother Halton is waiting. She stood by us. She deserves to hear from you directly."
He nodded slowly. "You're right."
My mother set down her napkin. "I'll go with him."
Everyone turned to her.
She met our eyes. "I'm not going to hide anymore either. If we're going to face this together, then we face it together."
