As I approached our house, I saw Mom on the front porch, tending to her beloved plants with a watering can. Her eyes widened in surprise when she spotted me coming up the path.

"Kate? Why do you look so down?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I felt a lump forming in my throat, but I forced a weak smile and shrugged my shoulders. "It's nothing, Mom. I'm just a little tired, so I decided to come home early.

The words felt hollow as they left my lips, and I could see the doubt in Mom's ...