Anna’s silence was loud, tension stretching between us in the dim light of the kitchen. I could feel the weight of every unsaid word hanging in the air. The truth was, I never imagined myself in this position—divided between the woman I loved and the daughter I cherished. But I couldn’t stand by and let Kate feel isolated and betrayed in what should be her own home.

The next morning, I found Kate at the kitchen table, a half-eaten bowl of cereal in front of her. Her eyes flicked up to mine, questions and gratitude in her gaze. “Did… did you talk to them?” she asked softly.