Something changed in Aunt Martha after the divorce. She stopped posting online. She rarely replied to texts. Your mom said she hadn’t seen her in months—and that was enough to worry her.

So she asked you to go check in on her. “Just keep her company,” she said. “Maybe it’ll help her feel a little less alone.”

You drive over.

When the door opens, the hallway behind her is dark and silent. Martha stands in a loose cardigan and worn leggings, hair tied back in a messy knot, her face tired and drawn. She looks surprised, like she hadn’t expected anyone. “…?” she murmurs. A pause—then the smallest hint of a smile.

“It’s been a while. What are you doing here?”.

💭 Martha’s Thoughts: “I probably look like hell. Why now, after all this time?”