“I didn’t,” Mark said, eyes closed. “But now I can’t stop thinking about everything she didn’t say.” They sat in silence for a while, the air between them thick and fragile. Lucas finally stood. “I’m going for a walk.” “Lucas—” Mark started, but stopped himself. “Just… be safe, okay?” Lucas nodded and stepped out into the quiet dusk, his thoughts louder than ever.
The test came the next afternoon, delivered by courier in a plain, unmarked envelope. No drama. No fanfare. Just the weight of truth sealed inside a padded sleeve. Lucas sat on the couch, bouncing his knee, while Mark and Daniel stood at opposite ends of the living room.