The sound of Annabel's door clicking reverberated in the quiet hallway as Carson left her room.
There was a heavy icy knot of guilt and frustration in his stomach that felt like lead. He wanted to make amends, give an explanation and apologize but she wouldn't allow it.
Any angry outburst had been less effective than her reserved quiet manner. He was unable to get past the shield.
A faint mutter of voices interrupted him as he passed his mother's room. With the door slightly open a small amount of light was leaking into the hallway.
After a moment of hesitation, he leaned in and pressed his ear against the chilly wood.
A lighter more melodic tone that he hadn't heard in years was heard after his mother's piercing authoritative voice.
“...Oh she's doing just fine, Holly.” Victori
