Unexpected Warmth

Valerie hastily wiped her eyes, taking a moment to steady herself. "Coming!" she called out and stood to answer the door.

...

"Dinner's ready," Declan announced. He glanced up and noticed the telltale redness around her eyes. Pausing, he met her gaze and asked, "What happened?" His voice softened, and he instinctively reached out, the back of his fingers gently brushing the wet corner of her eye.