Chapter 312

• The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the kitchen as Ava methodically diced vegetables, lost in her thoughts. Maggie observed her with a mixture of concern and empathy. She had noticed Ava's distant demeanor lately and decided to address it.
• " Ava, dear, is everything alright? " Maggie asked gently, her eyes studying Ava's face.
• Ava looked up, momentarily startled, as if she had been pulled from a reverie. " Oh, sorry, Maggie. I was lost in my thoughts " she replied, forcing a smile.