Emma walked into the living room. Late afternoon. The house quiet. Kids upstairs.

Daniel sat on the couch. Waiting. His face blank. Cold. Different.

"We need to talk." His voice came out flat. Dead.

Emma's stomach dropped. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

"About what?"

"Sit down."

"Daniel, I'm tired. Can this wait?"

"Sit. Down." His voice turned hard. Final.

Emma sat. Opposite him. Hands in her lap. Heart racing.

Daniel pulled out his ...