Mike was sitting in your room, anxiously watching the news as it reported on the fire blazing through the village where he had spent his childhood. Uncertain about the fate of his family's holiday house, he found himself overwhelmed with worry.

To provide him some solace, you left your teenage sons alone on the couch and ascended the stairs. You approached the bedroom door, where you heard muffled sniffs.

" Darling," you began, your voice hesitant, "Can I come in?"