Dana was in the kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, when she heard the front door creak open. She turned, expecting it to be Hector, but instead saw Marcus trudging in, his shoulders slumped and his face a mask of frustration.
"Marcus? What are you doing back home? Did something happen?" Dana asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Nothing happened," Marcus snapped, not meeting her gaze as he brushed past her.
Dana's eyes narrowed with worry. "Wait, Marcus," she called, following him with determined steps. "Talk to me."
"Mom, leave me alone," Marcus said, quickening his pace up the stairs, his footsteps heavy and loud.
Dana didn't relent. She followed him to his room, her heart pounding. "Marcus, what's wrong with you? Why are you acting up?" she pressed, her worry deepening.
