Manipulator

"Mama, Papa got us new ice cream!" Ella chirped, holding up her cone like a trophy.

The innocent excitement in her voice sliced through the thick tension like a blade.

Zara exhaled, her grip on her cap tightening before she pulled it off completely. Kneeling, she wrapped her arms around the twins, burying her face between their tiny shoulders. Their sticky, ice-cold fingers clung to her, but she didn't care.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she murmured, pressing kisses into their warm, sugary-scented skin.

Giggles filled the air, light and carefree— 

Ethan's gaze swept over the kids, then flicked to Zara. His lips pressed into a thin line.

"They must've been scared," he said, adjusting Ezra's shirt like a concerned father.

"It's a big park. Anything could have happened." His voice was softer, but the edge was there. Sharp. Accusatory.

"Did you even notice they were gone?"