Silent Burdens

Avery

"You look stressed, Ave," Mom said, reaching out to touch my hand. "Is that Declan Pierce fellow working you too hard?"

I nearly choked. If only she knew how hard he'd worked me over his desk just hours ago.

"It's just the usual work stuff," I said, recovering quickly. "Lots of responsibility."

Mom sighed, her eyes taking on that distant look I'd come to dread. "If your father were still her