As he drove, Jared's knuckles turned white against the steering wheel, his jaw set in quiet determination. He glanced at her briefly, and his heart twisted painfully in his chest. She looked so small, so fragile, and yet she was fighting so hard to stay composed.
When they arrived home, Jerica stepped out of the car without waiting for him, walking toward the entrance with her shoulders drawn tight and her head bowed. Jared followed her, his steps slow and deliberate. He didn't press her to talk, didn't try to stop her retreat into silence.
The elevator doors slid open, and Jerica stepped in with Jared close behind. She pressed the button for their floor with a trembling hand, her eyes unfocused and distant. She barely noticed the soft giggles of a little girl entering with her mother until a small, warm hand slipped into her own.