Exactly as expected, Mary kicked us out.
Ella followed behind me quietly as we walked toward the door.
I was just about to say something to comfort her when suddenly Thomas came rushing up behind us, waving his arms and shouting, “Ella! Hold up!”
“What now?” Ella stopped with a sigh, her voice heavy with emotion.
Her light brown eyes shimmered under the sunlight, full of hurt and sadness.
I froze for a second, watching her heartbroken expression. I didn’t interrupt—this was between her and her brother.
Thomas slowed down and awkwardly came to a stop in front of her. He hesitated, then gave a stiff shrug. “I told Mom earlier… I told her you guys were coming.”
Ella didn’t react much. Her face was still the same mix of pain and disappointment, and she stayed quiet for a
