559: Uneasy Hospitality

Emma sat at the dining table, the tension thick as the evening meal was served. The presence of Alex in their family home, a scenario she had reluctantly agreed to, loomed large, casting a shadow over what was typically a time of family bonding. As the dishes were passed around, the usual chatter was subdued, replaced by a strained politeness that did not go unnoticed by anyone in the room. Alex, for his part, tried to appear unaffected, but Emma could see the effort it took. His attempts to engage in light conversation were met with curt nods or brief replies, particularly from her second brother, whose demeanor was coolly polite at best. It was clear that while her brothers had agreed to take Alex in, their acceptance was purely formal, governed more by a sense of obligation than any genuine welcome. As the meal progressed, Emma found herself increasingly uncomfortable with the situation. Her brothers' strategy, while well-meaning in their eyes, only served to heighten the awkwa