Tom felt both mentally and physically exhausted when he returned home. The things he had seen today were disturbing, but he wasn't surprised. People were cruel. He had always known that. He had taken care of those responsible, but it didn't make a difference. Nothing ever did.
Nora woke up in the morning and came downstairs. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Tom sat in the living room with a cup of coffee, his expression unreadable. He had learned something about Nora's family, and he knew he had to tell her. He could keep it from her, but he didn't see the point. Lies were exhausting, and he had little patience for them.
Nora approached Tom and sat beside him, peering into his tired eyes. "You didn't sleep last night," she observed. "My mom would scold me if I stayed up too late."
Tom stared at her for a moment before answering. "I watched a scary movie. Couldn't sleep." It was an effortless lie, delivered without hesitation. He had no intention of explaining himself to a child. "Let's make breakfast," he added, standing up. He'd tell her after she ate. It would be easier that way.
After breakfast, Tom gestured for her to sit with him in the living room. He got straight to the point. "Nora, I found out something about your family. They won't be coming back."
She blinked at him, confusion flickering across her face. "What do you mean?"
"They're gone." His voice was flat, emotionless. "They can't be with you anymore."
Tears welled up in Nora's eyes. She shook her head as if denying reality could change it. "But... they wouldn't just leave me."
"They didn't have a choice." He watched her carefully, waiting for the inevitable outburst.
"But—" She broke off, sobbing, her small body trembling.
Tom sighed inwardly as she clung to him, burying her face in his chest. He let her cry, patting her back in what he supposed was a comforting gesture. He didn't understand grief, not the way he did. He had never had anyone to lose.
Eventually, she exhausted herself and fell asleep. Tom remained still, staring at the ceiling. He wasn't sure why he was doing this. It wasn't his responsibility. And yet, here he was.
When he was sure she was asleep, he carefully moved away and stood up. He had wasted enough time. There was work to be done, spells to refine. He wasn't going to let sentimentality slow him down.
Later, as he prepared dinner, Nora stirred and sat up. They ate in silence. She looked smaller than before, like the weight of his words had physically diminished her.
The doorbell rang. Tom answered it to find Alice standing outside. She smiled at first, but the moment she saw Nora, her expression hardened. "I didn't know you were married," she said, voice clipped. "I'm sorry."
Before Tom could say a word, she turned and walked away, moving fast. Too fast.
For a brief moment, Tom considered going after her. Then he closed the door instead. It didn't matter. He had more important things to deal with.
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