"Grachelle, what brought you here? Do you have something to say to me, dear?”
Mom’s voice drifted through the c***k of the bedroom door like a soft melody, tinged with curiosity and warmth. I could feel her anticipation as I stood outside, hesitating for a moment before gathering my courage.
“Mom, can I talk to you for a second? Is Dad still awake?” I asked, anxiety threading through my words.
“He’s watching TV, dear. Come in,” she invited, her tone reassuring, yet I shook my head, feeling an urgency swell within me.
“Mom, can I talk to you alone in the library? I really need to discuss something, and I don’t want Dad to hear,” I pleaded, urgency dripping from my voice. A flicker of understanding crossed her face as she nodded.
“Go ahead, I’ll just grab my robe.”
Her smile gave me a
