THIRD POV
For several seconds after Helen finished speaking, the room remained completely still.
Irene sat on the edge of the bed, her arms crossed loosely as she studied her mother. The quiet between them stretched just long enough for the weight of Helen’s words to settle fully.
Helen still stood a few steps away, her posture composed, as if she had merely stated something practical and expected Irene to consider it rationally.
But Irene wasn’t feeling particularly rational.
Her jaw tightened slightly as she looked down at the floor for a moment before letting out a soft breath through her nose.
Then she looked back up at Helen.
“You know what?” she said slowly.
Helen raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“Maybe this was a mistake.”
Helen frowned faintly.
“What was?”
Irene gestured vag
