An Unexpected Lifeline

Hazel's POV

I sat at Clara Dalton's kitchen table, staring into my tea as if the answers to my life's problems might suddenly appear in its amber depths. The house was quiet except for the occasional sound of Leo playing with blocks in the adjacent living room.

"You've barely touched your sandwich, dear." Clara placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

I forced a smile. "Sorry. Not very hungry."

"Understandable." Clara sat beside me. Unlike her daughter Chloe, who was all fire and quick words, Clara was calm waters—steady, nurturing.

"I just feel so... stupid." The admission burned my throat. "I should have known better than to trust him."

"You're many things, Hazel Vance, but stupid isn't one of them."

The doorbell rang, interrupting our conversation. Clara answered it while I remained slumped at the table.

"Hazel?" Clara's voice carried an odd note. "Someone's here for you."