I strode into the house, my mind a tangled mess, predominantly occupied by thoughts of Alexandra's unexpected appearance in Maple Falls. It was crucial to talk to Emma, to share and perhaps validate my unease.

Making my way to the home office, where I expected to find Emma deep in her usual festival planning, I gently pushed the door open, ready to speak. But the scene before me halted my words. Emma was in the midst of a Zoom call, her attention fully captured by the laptop screen. I ...