CARSON

A sweet aroma permeated the dining room. I inhaled the scent of meat and seasoning that hung in the air, causing my mouth to water. Although it was a stark contrast to the deep frown that sat on everyone's face, especially my father and Axel's.

Tonight, the air was thick with tension. It was one of those nights when we had to sit through a meal with my father. The last few days have been a roller coaster. We did our best to avoid him because he brought up the marking issue at every ...