Inside, Sophie was desperately trying to hold herself together. Each stroke of the brush seemed to take a little more of her strength. Suddenly, the sound of a key turning in the front door lock echoed through the quiet house, slicing through the oppressive atmosphere like a sharp knife. Janet’s head snapped up, a frown creasing her brow as she wondered who could possibly be visiting.

When the door swung open to reveal David standing there, Janet’s expression shifted from annoyance to surprise, and then quickly to a carefully composed smile. Sophie, startled by the unexpected arrival, paused, her tired eyes widening in disbelief.