Conversations stopped when he entered. People smiled too quickly. A few exchanged glances they thought he didn't see. He recognized the pattern immediately. People were talking.
The realization sat like a stone in his stomach. That evening he drove home from work with his jaw clenched tight enough to hurt. When he arrived at Miriam's farmhouse, she immediately sensed something was wrong. Bad day? She asked while setting plates on the table.
Caleb hesitated, then he laughed bitterly. Depends on your definition. Miriam waited. Eventually he sat down heavily and rubbed a hand across his face. People are talking.
Her expression barely changed. About us? About me staying here. Miriam sighed quietly. Small towns.
You know what the worst part is? Caleb stared at the tabletop. They're probably not even trying to be cruel. Most aren't. But it doesn't matter.
His voice hardened. Because every rumor grows, every story changes, every version gets a little worse. Miriam sat across from him. And? Caleb looked up.
His eyes carried something darker now. Fear. Real fear. And Dana will hear it. Silence filled the kitchen.
Miriam immediately understood. Dana wasn't just an ex-wife. She was a threat. Not because she was evil. Because she was strategic.
She knew exactly where to apply pressure. Caleb continued staring at the table. The custody review is 6 weeks away. I know. If she hears I'm living in another woman's house.
He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to. Miriam understood perfectly. The truth wouldn't matter. The details wouldn't matter.
The appearance would matter. Caleb pushed away from the table and stood. Maybe I should go back home. Miriam looked at him carefully. To a house with no power?
I'll figure something out. You keep saying that. Caleb's jaw tightened. Because it's true. Is it?