Early morning nearing the end of the month, Marcus woke up with an expression that was different from usual. His face looked tense, his eyes swollen as if he hadn't slept all night long. Emma immediately knew something was wrong just by looking at the way he sat on the edge of the bed in an oppressive silence.
Emma didn't ask anything at that moment. She simply got up and prepared breakfast like she always did, but with movements that were slower and extra attention. She could feel the heavy burden on Marcus's shoulders just from the way he walked toward the kitchen with obvious heaviness.
As they sat at the dining table with Lily who was cheerful between them, Marcus only poked at his food without really eating it. Lily didn't notice anything was different, but Emma could see how Marcus forced a fake smile for the child.
