Henry opened the car door and held it for Anna. She climbed in quietly, her movements delicate and uncertain. As he slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, he glanced sideways—and froze.

Tears were silently rolling down her cheeks.

Henry exhaled sharply, leaning back in his seat. “Are you okay?”

Anna nodded without a word, trying to wipe her face quickly, but the tears kept coming. Her shoulders trembled slightly, and that tugged at something in him.

He sighed again, softer ...