Samuel heard the phone buzz on the table, breaking the comfortable silence between him and Zinnia. He glanced at the screen—Timmy was calling.
"Let me answer this first," Samuel said, his voice low and calm as he pushed his chair back.
Zinnia looked up from her plate, surprised but understanding. "Sure, no problem," she said, offering a small smile, though a hint of concern lingered in her eyes.
Samuel stood and walked away from the dining table, his footsteps soft but determined as he moved toward the hallway. The quiet of the house felt heavier now, the lightheartedness of the moment slipping away with each step.
He pressed the answer button, bringing the phone to his ear as the call connected. "Timmy, what do you have for me?"
