Sunday morning at the Arcas household began as usual, with the smell of pancakes wafting through the air and the soft clinking of dishes as breakfast was prepared. Blakely, still feeling the warmth from the day she'd spent with Brody, made her way down to the kitchen, her mind replaying all the fun they'd had together.
As she entered the kitchen, she found her parents seated at the table, sipping coffee and reading the morning news. Cleo was quietly eating her toast, her expression as calm and stoic as ever. But Blakely's eyes were drawn to her youngest brother, Theo, who was sitting at the table, clutching his favorite teddy bear tightly and pouting adorably.
"Morning, Theo," Blakely greeted, her tone cheerful as she ruffled his hair. But instead of the usual shy smile he gave her, Theo's lower lip quivered, and he let out a small, unhappy sigh.
Blakely paused, her hand still resting on his head. "What's wrong, little man?"
