I answered the phone while pouring myself a fresh cup of coffee.

The kitchen was quiet in a way our house had not been quiet for years.

No performance.

No careful smile.

No need to look grateful for a kindness that had never been kindness at all.

Morning light touched the counter, the empty mug Daniel had used the night before, and the velvet case he had left behind without noticing.

Daniel was already shouting.

“What did you do?!”