Lucas sat at the kitchen table, staring at the untouched cup of coffee in front of him. The house felt different now—quieter, heavier. His phone was face down on the table, buzzing occasionally with messages he didn’t want to read. The night before had been the longest of his life. The shock, the meetings, the quiet, disapproving looks. And now, the waiting.

The front door opened. Maja stepped inside, dropping her school bag by the door like she always did. But something was off. Normally, she would call out a quick hej, far! before heading to her room. But today, she stood in the entryway, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Her face was tense—confused, unsettled.

Lucas stood up slowly.

Hej, skat.

”Hey, sweetheart.” His voice was gentle, careful.

Maja looked at him, her brows furrowed. She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again. Instead, she walked past him to the fridge, pulling out a carton of juice. She poured a glass, her movements stiff.

Hvordan var skolen?

”How was school?” he asked, keeping his tone light.