Jude studied her quietly for a moment before speaking, his voice calm but tired.
"You're pushing yourself too hard again."
Alice didn't deny it.
She simply lowered her gaze to her plate.
"I have to," she replied.
Jude sighed softly, the sound carrying more weight than any lecture.
The candlelight flickered between them.
And for the first time that day, Alice allowed herself to feel how tired she truly was.
------------------------------------------------------
Grandpa Jude lowered himself into the chair with a quiet groan, one hand braced against the table as his knees protested the motion. Alice was already half-risen from her seat, instinctively moving to help him, but he lifted a hand before she could take a step.
"Sit," he said.
