Lyla blinked, as if startled by the question. "O-of course I'm fine," she said quickly, brushing at her cheeks again, though her red eyes betrayed her. "Just tired from the shifts, that's all. These night duties are getting harder, you know?" She gave a weak laugh that sounded more like a sigh.
Alina nodded, though her heart twisted painfully. She wanted to ask directly if Uncle Luther was really cheating on her, but she couldn't. She knew her aunt too well. If someone spoke to her openly about something that hurt, she panicked. Her breath would quicken, her eyes would dart, and she would feel suffocated by guilt and fear.
So Alina took a slow breath, steadying her voice. "You're working too hard again. You should rest more, Aunt Lyla," she said instead, offering her a gentle smile.
Her aunt gave a quiet hum, pretending to fix her hair. "Maybe you're right. But when you have responsibilities, resting feels like a luxury, doesn't it?"
