He had been away much longer than five minutes.

Claire had stopped checking his messages and started checking her own phone for the time.

The kitchen clock was visible through the window, but she no longer wanted to add another four minutes to an evening already moving without her.

Mark got out of his car with a folder beneath his arm.

He saw Diane in the chair, the luggage beside the steps, and Lisa standing by the SUV.

“Mom, what is all this?”