Back in the kitchen, Daniel rose, his movements deliberate. He knew that anger, while justified, would accomplish little. Instead, he had chosen a path paved with consequences, one where Claire and Michael would have to navigate the wreckage they created.

“Daniel, please,” Claire pleaded, her voice breaking, but Daniel simply shook his head.

“You made your choices,” he replied, his tone devoid of emotion. “And now you get to live with them.”