Maria was shocked the very moment she stepped into the living room and found Victoria seated stiffly on the couch, looking deeply disturbed.
She greeted her, but there was no response. At first, Maria thought Victoria was ignoring her intentionally, but soon she realized the older woman wasn't even paying attention to her presence.
Concerned, Maria walked closer and gently tapped Victoria on the shoulder.
"Good evening, ma'am," Maria said softly.
Victoria flinched at the touch, clearly startled. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't noticed Maria at all.
It was easy for Maria to guess the cause of her worry. Given the current situation, it was understandable—her husband and only son had gone to war, and there were only two possible outcomes: they would either return victorious or not return at all.
Maria's heart ached for her.
"Maria, how are you? Have you been here long?" Victoria asked in a tired voice, her face lined with worry.
