Getting Back Together

Standing on the porch were Margaret and Jake, their expressions tense and uncertain as they stared back at Claire.

"Margaret? Jake?" Claire said, her voice betraying her surprise. For a moment, she didn't know whether to step aside or close the door so they wouldn't come in.

It had been two weeks since Jake's release, and neither he nor Margaret had reached out until now.

Margaret offered a tentative smile, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Claire… may we come in?" she asked uncertainly.

Claire hesitated but eventually stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. The awkwardness hung in the air as thick as fog. She didn't miss the way Jake avoided her gaze, his shoulders slumped as if it had become his regular posture.

As they stepped into the dining room, Alex and Emma turned to see who it was, their conversation abruptly halting. The shock on Alex's face was evident, and Emma stiffened beside him, her eyes widening in disbelief.