It was later that day. I was reaching for my coat and getting ready to leave the house, when I walked past the entrance to our drawing room. As I did, I heard my mother call from inside.
"Theo, where are you going?"
I peeked my head through the entryway.
"I thought about taking a stroll around the park, Mom. I could use it… my head hasn't stopped buzzing since this morning."
"Very well, dear. Just be careful and don't come back too late."
As she said it, I could notice a heaviness in her eyes and a general weariness in her expression. Starting to worry about her, I approached her. I stood in front of her where she was sitting inside the room.
"Mom, are you alright? Would you prefer it if I stayed here with you?"
"No, Theo, don't worry about me. I just… haven't stopped thinking about Eliza since your father told me the news last night. I can't imagine how she must feel."
"I have also had her in my mind all day."
She sighed.
"When your father comes home this evening, we must embrace him a little tighter than usual. We're lucky that ours is such a good man."
"I agree," I said as I nodded, absentmindedly.
"Now go, dear. Take care."