Inner Unease
Though I comforted Sarah with reassuring words, her admission left me rattled. Her uneasiness was the mirror of my own, confirming fears I had tried to suppress. “We’ll figure it out, I promise,” I told her softly, brushing a hand over her hair. But as I walked out of her room, the knot in my stomach remained. I couldn’t stop asking myself whether I was just being overly protective, or if something darker was truly hiding behind their innocent smiles.
Inner Unease
Emily’s Doubts
Later that evening, Emily and I sat quietly under the soft glow of the lamp. “Luke, I think you’re reading too much into this,” she said, her brows drawn together. “Kids can be mischievous without meaning any harm.” Her attempt at reassurance did little to calm me. “Maybe you’re right,” I admitted reluctantly, “but something still doesn’t add up, Em.” She sighed and placed her hand over mine, a small gesture of comfort, but the difference in our perspectives was obvious. I knew I had to stay vigilant.
Emily’s Doubts
