CHAPTER 38: The Silence Between Us

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Chapter 38: The Silence Between Us

Daisy

The house felt too quiet again.

Her mother stood at the kitchen sink, scrubbing dishes that were already clean. Daisy watched from the hallway, unseen. The woman's shoulders were tense. Her hands moved mechanically.

Everything they hadn't said still lived between them.

Daisy turned away.

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Ezra

He found her on the back porch, sitting on the steps with a blanket around her shoulders and headphones in. But the music wasn't playing.

"You're doing that thing again," he said, sitting beside her.

"What thing?"

"Pretending the world's not spinning."

She sighed. "It's easier than spinning with it."

Ezra was quiet for a beat, then asked softly, "Do you hate her?"

Daisy shook her head slowly. "No. I just don't know how to… go back."

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Ezra

"She's trying," he said.

"I know."

"She doesn't know how."

"I know."

More silence.

Then he added, "But she made your favorite soup."

Daisy looked over, surprised.

"She didn't want to ask if you'd eat it. Thought it might feel forced."

Daisy swallowed the lump in her throat.

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Inside

She stepped into the kitchen without saying a word.

Her mom turned slightly. "There's food if you're hungry."

Daisy opened the pot. The smell of ginger, garlic, and comfort rose up.

"I remember this," she said.

Her mother's voice was gentle. "I remember you liking it."

They didn't look at each other, but they both stayed.

And maybe, for now, that was enough.

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