The night outside was quiet, with only the occasional rustle of wind through the trees.
Inside the warm living room of Mrs. Williams' cozy home, Charlotte sat curled up on the couch, hugging a cushion to her chest. The soft glow of the fireplace flickered against the walls.
Mrs. Williams sat across from her granddaughter, a cup of tea in her hands. She had been watching Charlotte closely all evening, noticing the way she kept staring at nothing, lost in thought.
Finally, after a long silence, she set her cup down and spoke.
"Charlotte, you've barely touched your tea. And you've been quiet since I got back from the market. What's on your mind?"
Charlotte let out a slow breath, gripping the cushion tighter.
"Nothing, Grandma," she murmured, but even she knew the lie was weak as Mrs. Williams gave her a knowing look.
"You forget, darling, I've known you since the day you were born. I can tell when something is eating away at you."
