The Perfect Excuse

Leon's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his expression was full of disbelief and anger. "Am I in some kind of prank video?!" he shouted, gesturing wildly between Emma and Eleanor. "What the hell are you two trying to pull here?"

Emma flinched at his outburst, her lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. She glanced nervously at her mother, who looked equally unsettled.

Eleanor sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "Leon, it's not—"

"Don't," Leon interrupted sharply, his tone laced with frustration. "Don't give me that. You're sitting here, talking like the world isn't real, like I'm not real, and I'm just supposed to sit here and nod along? Are you both insane?!"

"Leon, please," Emma began, her voice soft but urgent. "I know how crazy this sounds—"