CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY SIX - When Words Become Weapons

Kayla nodded, though she didn't look entirely convinced. "Okay, Mommy. Can we finish my math now?" Deonna smiled, relieved at the change of subject. "Of course, sweetie. Let's tackle those multiplication tables." Later that evening, after Kayla was in bed, Deonna recounted the conversation to Logan. He listened, his expression growing more troubled with each word. "She's noticing, Logan," Deonna said, her voice tight with worry. "We can't keep her in a bubble forever." Logan ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "I know. I just... I wanted to protect her from all of this." Deonna moved to sit beside him on the couch. "Maybe we need to think about talking to her. Not about everything, but enough so she understands why things are a bit strange right now." Logan nodded slowly. "You're right. We should talk to Evelyn, see what she thinks we should say." Just then, Logan's phone buzzed with an incoming message. He glanced at it, his face darkenin