Kayden – POV

It had been a grievous day. My mother's disdain for me had reached a new height; she didn't even want to look at my face anymore. On the other hand, Dad remained silent, offering no insight into his emotions. While I had long sensed my mother's hatred, my father's stoic silence left me in the dark about his feelings. I slumped back into a chair on the porch.

Kate quietly took a seat beside me. I hesitated to initiate a conversation or ask her to leave; perhaps I simply ...