The Wheeler house was unusually quiet for a Friday evening.

Nancy had mentioned earlier in the week that Scinra would be coming over — another study session, another sleepover. Karen played it off casually at the time, stirring pasta sauce and nodding, but inside she’d felt something warm settle in her chest.

Scinra was a sweet girl. Soft, polite, always smiling gently when she greeted Karen. “Good morning, Mrs. Wheeler.” “Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler.”

She helped with dishes without asking, kept an eye on Mike when things got chaotic, even folded dish towels like she’d lived there all her life. Karen appreciated that more than she’d ever say aloud.

Ted was, as usual, asleep on the couch, snoring lightly with the TV droning in the background. Karen stood at the kitchen doorway, watching him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she breathed out slowly and turned away.

“Of course,” she muttered under her breath, smoothing her sweater. “Every night.”

Loneliness had a way of settling in her bones these days, soft but steady.

She fluffed the throw pillows. Straightened the guest blanket. Lit a soft vanilla candle. Just… keeping busy.

When the doorbell rang, her heartbeat kicked up — too fast for something so simple.

“Pull it together,” she murmured to herself, checking her hair in the hallway mirror before opening the door.

Scinra stood there, overnight bag in hand, smiling warmly.

“Hi, Mrs. Wheeler. Thanks again for having me.”

Karen’s face softened in a way she didn’t expect. “Oh—come in, sweetheart,” she said quietly. “Nancy’s upstairs. She… forgot something, I suppose.”

From upstairs Nancy yelled, “One second! I need to grab something!”

Karen’s mouth twitched. “Always forgetting,” she muttered with a faint sigh, stepping aside for Scinra.

They walked into the kitchen together, the soft glow of the overhead light making the room feel close and warm. Karen reached for bowls on the counter, but Scinra was already stepping forward.

“Can I help with anything?” Scinra asked gently. “I don’t mind.”

Karen hesitated, then handed her a small nod. “If you want… bowls are in the upper cupboard.”

Scinra moved to open it, and their arms brushed lightly. Karen inhaled just a bit, more from surprise than anything else, and stepped back.

“Sorry,” she murmured. “Long day.”

The words came out tired, worn around the edges.

Scinra passed her the bowls with a soft smile. “Here.”

Karen took them, setting them down without much need. She didn’t speak for a moment — just breathed, shoulders lowering, as if Scinra’s presence eased something in her.

From the living room came another loud snore, and Karen’s jaw tightened barely.

“Must be nice,” she said under her breath, “to sleep through everything....”