At the Rodrigues residence, Vanessa finally makes her way downstairs, her parents are already seated at the dining table. Her mother, elegantly dressed in a casual blouse, looks up with a welcoming smile. Her father, always quiet and observant, nods in acknowledgment.
"Good evening, sweetheart," her mother says. "How was work today?"
"Fine," Vanessa replies, taking her seat. "Just busy as usual."
Her mother narrows her eyes slightly, studying her daughter's face. "You look tired. Are you sure everything's okay?"
Vanessa forces a smile, her walls firmly in place. "I'm fine, Mom. Just a lot on my plate."
Her father speaks up, his deep voice steady. "You've been looking a bit off lately. If something's wrong, you can talk to us."
Vanessa feels her throat tighten. The concern in her parents' voices only makes the weight on her shoulders feel heavier. She shakes her head quickly. "It's nothing. Really."
