Ava
Just moments after Chris left to follow Bernard, Patricia quickly grabbed the seed from the table and excused herself, hurrying after them. I found myself alone with Clara, an awkward silence settling over the breakfast table.
Clara cleared her throat and offered me a small smile. “More coffee, dear?”
I nodded, grateful for something to focus on. “Yes, please. Thank you.”
As she poured, I noticed her hands trembling slightly. The fine china clinked softly as she set the pot down.
“I’m sorry about all this,” I said softly. “We didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
Clara shook her head, her silver-streaked hair catching the morning light. “No, no. It’s not your fault. Bernard... he wasn’t always like this, you know.”
I raised an eyebrow, curious. “Oh?”
She no
