SEVENTY EIGHT

SLYVIA'S POV

After Beverly and I finished our pool game, we headed back to our seats, feeling a bit more relaxed and lighter from the dancing and chatting. The bar had started to quiet down a little, making it easier to have a conversation.

Beverly looked at me with concern. "So, how's the case going, Slyvia? Any progress?"

I sighed, taking a sip of my drink before answering. "It's going the best it can, given the circumstances. We're gathering evidence, but it isn't much. It feels like we're grasping at straws sometimes."

Beverly reached over and squeezed my hand. "I'm really sorry you're going through all this. It must be so tough."

"Don't worry about it, Beverly. It's not your fault," I said, trying to reassure her. "I've learned to take things one step at a time. It’s just... exhausting."

She nodded, her eyes full of empathy. "How are the kids holding up with everything?"

I smiled weakly. "They're actually handling it better than I expected. They're still so young, too youn