Arianne returned home with Gio right on time that evening. But Franz could tell something had shifted. She was unusually silent. Her responses to the twins' questions were short. When dinner ended, she left the table and went to her study without a word.
Franz guided the twins through their nighttime routine. Tucked them in after a short playtime. Pulled the blankets to their chins. He was relieved they did not notice her mood—assumed she was simply tired.
He stepped out to the garden to clear his mind before calling it a day. Found Aunt Estella already seated on the wooden bench near the stone path.
He blinked. Was about to turn back inside when she called to him.
"Tired?" she asked. "It must have been hard for you to play with the twins the entire day."
Franz let out a low chuckle. Rubbed the back of his neck. He was tired, but thinking about how happy they were earlier made it worth it.
"They knew how to tire me out. But I enjoyed the time with them."
