Chapter 16: Phone Call

MAVIS

As I walked out of the room, I could feel the tension in the air. I knew that my words had upset her, and I felt a twinge of guilt. I wondered if I had said the wrong thing, or if I had been too blunt. I took a deep breath and kept walking toward the door.

As I reached for the doorknob, I heard her voice behind me. "Wait," she said, her voice cold. I turned to face her, my hand still on the doorknob. I could see the concern in her eyes, and I knew that I had to stay and talk to her. I let go of the doorknob and walked back into the room, ready to face whatever came next.

I could see the question in her eyes, and I knew I had to answer honestly. "The condition is that you'll tell Mom about us," I said. I could see her thinking deeply about my words, and I held my breath, waiting for her response.

"You want me to tell Mom about us? How can I do such?" Her words took me by surprise, and I felt my heart sink. "I... I don't know if I can do that," she stammered, the words catchin