"The family dinner"

As they sat down for dinner, Julia's father asked her about work.

"It's going well," Julia said, trying to keep her answers brief.

But her brother, Alex, wasn't having it. "Come on, Julia, spill the beans," he said, grinning mischievously. "What's really going on in your life?"

Julia felt a panic rise up inside her. She couldn't tell them about Echo, not yet.

"Nothing, Alex," she said, trying to brush him off. "Just work and stuff."

But Alex wasn't convinced. "I know there's something going on, Julia," he said, his eyes narrowing. "You've been distant for years. What's going on?"

Julia felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't know how much longer she could keep her secret hidden...

As they finished dinner, Julia's mother, Karen, turned to her with a curious expression.

"Julia, sweetie, can I ask you something?" she said, her voice gentle.

"Of course, Mom," Julia replied, feeling a sense of fear.

"What's going on with your love life?" Karen asked, her eyes sparkling with interest. "