Chapter 165. Silent Burdens

The morning sun shone through the kitchen window, casting a glow in the room on the familiar surfaces. Peggy stood at the counter, her hands moving mechanically as she cut into pieces a loaf of bread. Beside her, Isabella moved in slowly, her look distant and unseeing. The aroma of what was baking filled the kitchen, but the usual warmth and chatter in the kitchen was unceremoniously absent.

Peggy glanced at Isabella, her heart heavy with the sorrow evident all over the young woman’s face. The energy that used to light up the room was not there. The kitchen which was once a haven of comfort and companionship, now felt heavy with both women’s unspoken thoughts.

“Uhm Isabella,” Peggy called tentatively and her voice soft. “Would you like some toast with your eggs?”

Isabella nodded absently, without looking at her.

“Yes, please,” she replied, her voice barely audible.

Peggy continued to work in silence, her mind racing with thoughts. She had always enjoyed