Visiting Mr. Thorne IV

This again? Athena thought, cleaning her mouth elegantly with the wipe that had been kept for her.

The sensation of the soft cloth against her skin could hardly cleanse the discomfort she felt now at the dinner table; a stark contrast to her earlier feelings amidst the laughter and the bustling energy of family camaraderie while a few minutes ago.

"I guess people do have look-alikes in this world of ours. Part of life's humor," She finally said, trying to inject a lightness into the conversation.

"I see…" Florence muttered soberly.

Athena could detect a trace of bitterness in Florence's words, and her heart ached for the older woman, wishing she could do something to alleviate the evident distress the woman was in.

Florence's eyes glossed over slightly, and for a fleeting moment, Athena could see the layers of pain and nostalgia weave through her expression.