Laura
Driving back home, my thoughts were filled with worry for Arlene. I couldn't shake the image of her sad smile, or the exhaustion in her eyes when she finally confided in us. I'd never seen her so vulnerable. She was usually the one who stayed strong, the one holding everyone together. Now, she was carrying a weight that she never planned for, and knowing she felt so alone through it all made my heart ache.
I parked in the driveway and took a deep breath, hoping some of this worry would melt away by the time Jake got home. But as I stepped into the house and sank onto the couch, I knew the concern was still clinging to me. I was still lost in thought, replaying our conversation, when I heard Jake's footsteps approaching.
"Babe?" Jake's voice was warm and comforting, pulling me out of my thoughts. He stepped closer, looking at me with a concerned expression. "Hey, you okay? You seem… distracted."
