Clara didn't reply, but she knew Ethan will keep his word. Even though she was mad at him, deep down, she knew he was kind, especially to her.
The two of them just sat there in heavy silence, the air thick with everything said, and especially with everything else that was not said.
Then Ethan's phone rang, breaking the silence. He answered immediately, his voice softening.
"Hey buddy."
On the other end of the line, Axiel didn't waste a second, he went straight to his point.
"It's late, Dad! And my mom isn't home yet. Did you pick her up like you promised you would?"
Ethan took a deep breath, feeling helpless at the words of his son.
"Yes, son. She's here with me, but we will be a bit late. We just needed to talk about something, but we're almost home. Do you want to talk to her?"
Axiel sounded instantly brighter, and Ethan could tell he was grinning. "Yes, dad! Please!"
Ethan pressed the loudspeaker button and Clara immediately leaned forward.
