Chapter 4 - The Mother's Return
The sound of a car pulling into the driveway broke the heavy silence of the house early Friday morning.
Leo peaked through his bedroom blinds and felt a sudden, overwhelming surge of hope.
It was Sarah’s silver sedan.
She had managed to finish her business conference a full day earlier than expected.
Leo wanted to run out and throw his arms around her, but a dark shadow stepped into the hallway.
Mark grabbed Leo by the shoulder, his grip tightening like a heavy iron vise.
"Remember what I told you," Mark whispered harshly into the boy's ear.
"If you ruin her homecoming with your pathetic whining, you will deeply regret it."
Mark released him and instantly transformed his demeanor, pasting a bright, welcoming smile onto his face.
As Sarah opened the front door, Mark walked forward with open arms, playing the role of the perfect, loving brother.
"Sarah! You are home early, this is a wonderful surprise!" Mark exclaimed, hugging her warmly.
Sarah smiled, dropping her suitcase and returning the embrace with genuine affection.
"I missed you guys so much," Sarah said, her eyes scanning the room.
"Where is my favorite boy in the whole world?"
Leo stepped out of the shadows of the hallway, forcing his trembling lips into a fragile smile.
"Welcome home, Mom," Leo said softly, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Sarah hugged him tightly, but her maternal instincts immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong.
Leo felt incredibly stiff in her arms, and his body was practically vibrating with nervous tension.
She pulled back slightly, her sharp eyes studying his pale, exhausted face and the dark circles under his eyes.
"Are you feeling alright, sweetie?" Sarah asked, brushing a curly lock of hair from his forehead.
"He has just been studying incredibly hard for his finals," Mark interjected smoothly, standing uncomfortably close to them.
"I have been making sure he stays on top of his chores and his homework while you were gone."
Sarah looked at her brother, offering a grateful but slightly distracted smile.
"Thank you for taking care of him, Mark," she said, though her gaze lingered cautiously on Leo's face.
Leo nodded quickly, agreeing with the lie because he was absolutely petrified of his uncle's wrath.
"I am fine, Mom, really," Leo lied, looking down at the carpet.
Sarah unpacked her bags, but a persistent, uncomfortable feeling settled deep in the pit of her stomach.
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The house was clean, and Mark was acting perfectly normal, but the atmosphere felt thick and suffocatingly tense.
She decided to keep a very close eye on her son and her brother over the next few days.
