No interruption.
He did not look at her.
He looked at the children.
“That is my responsibility.”
No expectation attached.
No request.
Silence followed.
She did not respond immediately.
No reinforcement.
No rejection.
Accuracy does not require reaction.
The oldest spoke first.
“That’s what you did.”
Confirmation.
No emotion.
The middle child stayed quiet.
Processing.
The youngest looked confused.
But calm.
Derek did not try to repair.
Did not ask for anything.
