Chapter Eighty - One

Just then, Phoebe emerged. Karina glanced at Phoebe, her eyes silently pleading for confirmation, but Phoebe's expression remained unreadable as she stared steadily at Sophie.

Karina pressed on, trying to coax Sophie into remembering. "Are you sure, honey? Maybe someone caught your eye while we were out yesterday?"

Sophie shook her head, her attention already drifting towards the door. "I don't think so. Can I go play with Grand Aunt Zora now?"

Phoebe intervened, sensing Karina's growing frustration. "Of course, sweetheart. Run along."

As Sophie scampered off, Karina turned to Phoebe with a furrowed brow. "Why did you come back so early?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.

Phoebe hesitated for a moment before replying, "I just wanted to check on something at home. Is everything alright?"

Karina nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. "Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about," she began, her voice serious.

Phoebe's eyes widened slightly, sensing the gravity of the sit