Joe tightened his embrace around Skylar.
…
Janine drove home. Just as she placed the food container down and prepared to wash it, her phone rang. It was a call from Steven.
"Mom, I just got back home. Where were you? Did you go out for a walk?"
Janine glanced at the clock. It was already 10:30 pm. "I went to Skylar's place for a bit and just got home. We must have missed each other."
Steven had always been the one to worry the most, not just about her but also about his younger siblings. He had gone through the most hardship growing up alongside her.
Thankfully, he had now found a caring wife, and she was sure his future would be increasingly happy.
Steven relaxed. "Good to know you're home. Mom, you really shouldn't be walking alone at night. It's not very safe anymore. Maybe you can switch to morning walks instead."
There had been an incident recently—a man had gone on a rampage with a knife. They eventually caught him, and it turned out he was mentally unstable.
Because of that, it had felt safer to stay home. The streets were dark at night, and if a criminal had ever decided to act on impulse and hurt someone, they would most likely choose to do it under the cover of darkness.
Janine chuckled softly and said, "Alright, I understand. Besides, my foot's been acting up lately, so I haven't been walking in the evenings. Don't worry. I'm always careful.
"I won't give you or your siblings a reason to be anxious. Steven, make sure to take good care of Mona. Spend as much time with her as you can. I'm fine on my own, so don't worry about me."
Steven agreed but hesitated to hang up.
Janine knew her son too well. Janine sensed that Steven's unexpected visit home and the lengthy conversation they were having must mean something was wrong.
Her expression grew serious as she said, "Is there something you need to tell me? You don't have to keep anything from me. You're the eldest, and you know me better than anyone.
"I've been through a lot in this life, especially these past few years. I've grown stronger, and more resilient. Whatever it is, just say it."
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