Still, each broken promise left a quiet crack. That Thursday afternoon, the house was full of laughter. Emma and Jake were building a fort in the living room while Helen stirred a pot of stew. “Lunch in ten minutes,” she called. “Almost done!” Emma shouted back. Jake added, “Nana, look! We made a tunnel!”
Helen smiled and walked over to inspect their creation. Pillows were stacked too high, and one of her antique vases, a gift from her late husband, sat dangerously close to the edge of the table. “Careful, sweetheart,” she said gently, moving to steady it. But Jake reached at the same time, eager to help, and the vase slipped.