Charlotte prepared the tea with quiet care, pouring it into two cups before arranging them neatly on a tray. With steady hands, she carried it down the hall to the guest room where Odette was staying. Pushing the door open gently, she stepped inside and set the tray down in front of them.
Gérard looked up at her with a soft smile, and Odette reached for Charlotte's hand, guiding her to sit beside them.
For a while, they shared the quiet together. Then Charlotte rose, intending to leave them alone but Gérard's hand closed gently around her wrist, stopping her.
"You both should have some time together," she said softly, her voice warm and understanding. "There's so much you need to talk about."
She offered Gérard a small, reassuring smile before slipping out of the room.
Silence settled between them for a moment before Gérard's gaze shifted back to the scar on Odette's neck, his jaw tightening.
"Who did this to you, Mom?" he asked, his voice low.
