CH.101

~Back at the Carlon household~

The lively energy of Talia's arrival began to wind down as the evening stretched.

Lavinia's parents had long since retreated to the sanctuary of their bedroom, leaving the younger family members to their own devices.

The pair curled into each other's arms in the warm shared bedroom, finding comfort in each other's consoling presence. Yet, a palpable air of worry still clung to them, weighing heavily on both their minds.

"I'm so very afraid for our Lavinia, my dear," Mrs. Carlon spoke at last in a hushed murmur as she nestled her head against her husband's chest. "She's just...not herself these days. I hardly ever see that beautiful, bright smile of hers anymore."

Mr. Carlon exhaled a weary sigh and his arms tightened around his wife. He pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head. "I know, my love. You're right...I miss her energy, her light. It's like life has been drained right out of her."

His statements were laced with obvious anguish—the h