“Indeed,” I replied, setting the teapot on the table. “Birds can be quite elusive. It’s important to have the best equipment when observing them.”

Just as we were about to watch the footage, Tom cleared his throat from the doorway. “Eleanor, is this necessary? We’ve been through so much already. Everyone’s just trying to help.”

Sarah nodded, her smile now tight and strained, lacking its former sincerity. “We’ve known each other for so long. Can’t we just work this out without all this fuss?”