Unexpected Sincerity

Avery

Declan sat down behind his desk, motioning for me to take a seat across from him. I perched on the edge of the chair, tablet balanced on my knee.

"How's your mother doing today?" he asked, his voice softer than I expected.

The question caught me off guard. "She's... fine. Trying to cook pancakes this morning despite doctor's orders to rest."

A small smile played at the corner of his lips. "S