Falling Into Place

Nora’s chest heaved as she struggled to keep her anger in check.

“I have no idea what you—” she began, but Tyler cut her off, his voice sharp.

“Oh, come on, Nora. Don’t play dumb. You can drop the whole innocent act.”

Nora’s eyes narrowed as she darted a glance around the room, ensuring they were alone.

“Whatever it is you think you’re accusing me of, it won’t work, okay?” She shot back.

Tyler’s smile widened as he shrugged and said, “Accusing? Oh no, sweetheart. I’m just stating the facts.”

Nora’s voice grew colder as she said, “Leave my son out of this, Tyler.”

Tyler took a long sip of his coffee before responding, “Nora, I don’t even have to try.”

Nora let out a dry, almost hysterical laugh, clapping her hands slowly in disbelief, and said, “Oh, please. You never stood a chance to begin with.”

Tyler’s face darkened, and his voice dropped as he said, “You started this chaos six years ago. Don’t pretend you had no hand in it.”

“I have nothing to do with the state of this family,” Nor