I kept my gaze on Dave and Alpheus, watching as they exchanged stunned glances.
I even noticed Dave swallow hard before finally meeting my eyes.
"We… we're sorry if we disrupted your morning," he said carefully. "But at least let us take the kids to school—"
"No. We can manage."
I cut him off again and let out a long, weary breath.
"And it seems like you didn't fully understand what I just said."
I held their gazes, steady and unflinching.
"I said I need peace right now. And honestly? I haven't had any in the past two weeks—ever since you started showing up out of nowhere."
I could see the flicker of confusion and discomfort slowly registering on their faces.
"The kids and I have been doing just fine on our own. Taking them to school is the least of it. So it's better if you just leave."
They both looked taken aback—like my words were only now beginning to sink in.
"But… we came here hoping to talk to you…" Dave said seriously.
