She nodded again, weaker this time, before picking up her bag and heading toward the door, her steps slower, less precise.
As the door opened and Elena stepped forward, her movements slower than they used to be, something else shifted in the rhythm of the house.
The nanny appeared from the hallway, Lily balanced gently on her hip, the child's soft laughter breaking through the heavy tension that lingered in the air. Her tiny hands reached out instinctively.
"Mama!"
Elena turned immediately, her expression softening on reflex despite the faint confusion still clouding her eyes. She bent slightly, pressing a quick kiss to Lily's cheek as the little girl wrapped her arms around her neck.
"I'll be back early, okay?" Elena murmured, though there was a slight hesitation in her voice, like even that simple promise no longer came easily.
The nanny cleared her throat gently.
