Chapter 151

The setback came softly.

Not with a fight.

Not with a crisis.

But with silence.

At first, they didn’t notice it.

Daniel’s father had been in the city for three months. Sunday dinners had become routine. Occasional midweek visits. Short trips to the park. Small but steady integration into their daily lives.

Then one Sunday, he canceled.

“Not feeling up to it,” he said over the phone.

Daniel didn’t push.

“Next week,” he replied evenly.

Next week came.

Another ...