She hesitated, eyes flicking to the door as if expecting someone to burst through it. Her hesitation made Nathan’s stomach churn with dread. “It’s nothing, Nathan. Just a misunderstanding. You know how things get sometimes.”

“That’s not nothing,” he insisted, his voice firm yet tender. “Lily, you can tell me anything. I’m here now. You’re safe.”

Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she squeezed his hands tightly. “I didn’t want to bother you. You’ve got enough to deal with, being over there and all. And Mom… she’s been so stressed lately.”