At night, the dinner table felt heavy with unspoken words and tension.
My father remained largely silent, his gaze distant as if he were pondering some great mystery only he could decipher.
My mother and Uziel exchanged quiet murmurs, trying to create a semblance of normalcy amidst the storm brewing within me.
Their voices floated around the table, but I was only half-listening, caught up in the swirling thoughts of Kristen and the daunting conversation I had just had with my family.
As we finished our meal, I caught glimpses of Mom's hopeful expressions, trying to weave harmony into the atmosphere.
Once dinner concluded, I excused myself, retreating to my room like a soldier returning to a bunker after a battle.
I needed a moment to breathe, to think, and most importantly, to connect with the one person who made all the chaos bearable.
I pulled out my phone, my heart pounding with anticipation as I initiated a video call.
