As he stepped into the room, Natalie turned to him with a genuine smile. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice carrying an earnestness that caught him off guard. “For letting us stay. I can’t tell you how much it means to us.” Robert nodded, swallowing hard, unsure how to respond. The words he’d prepared about them leaving felt misplaced now.
He took a seat at the table, his gaze lingering on the children, who were unusually well-behaved, their tiny hands folded neatly in front of them. Robert decided to postpone the conversation. Let them have this moment—a warm meal in a safe space. Whatever needed to be said could wait until after breakfast. For now, he would watch, observe, and think.