He blinked twice behind his wire-rimmed glasses.

He understood exactly what she meant.

“Is it because of Daniel?” Owen asked.

Claire froze.

She stared at Owen.

The room went completely silent except for the low hum of the fluorescent lights overhead.

Owen held the half-unwrapped peppermint in his hand.

He used very few words with strangers, but he always spoke directly to his mother.