After dinner, everyone dispersed, retreating to their own homes, each weighed down by their own thoughts. Even little Charlie, who usually needed coaxing to settle down, seemed more subdued tonight, quietly curling up in bed without a fuss. It was as if he could sense the unease around him, though too young to fully understand it.
Meanwhile, earlier that morning, Helen had gone to her office as usual, her mind weighed down with worries. Recently, she had been so consumed by her problems that she hadn't even thought much about Magnar, despite their relationship. The burden of her father's health and financial situation overshadowed everything else. Her father had been admitted to the GoodWill Hospital, an A-grade facility known for its excellent care. The staff treated patients with both competence and respect, and he had grown comfortable there. The issue, however, was that the hospital's services were far too expensive for her to afford long-term.
