I felt it instantly. That quiet shift in the room when something isn’t right.
Dan tried to ease the tension.
“So, Lizie, how long have you known Sam?”
“Since last year,” she said softly.
Sam jumped in quickly. “She’s the fastest runner in class. Doesn’t even complain.”
That earned a brief smile but it faded quickly.
After dinner, Sam handed her a banana casually.
“House rule,” she said. “Nobody leaves hungry.”