As they sat around the table, Robert kept the conversation light. Ben and Lucy giggled as they picked at their plates, their innocence momentarily easing his nerves. Natalie seemed more relaxed, sharing small anecdotes about her children. Robert, however, couldn’t stop rehearsing his planned conversation in his head.
After dinner, Robert took a deep breath, ready to broach the subject, when Natalie unexpectedly began clearing the table. “Let me help,” she said, her tone firm. She moved to the sink, rolling up her sleeves. “It’s the least I can do. I feel terrible just staying here for free.”