Pauline's hand stilled.
She didn't look up. "Tell him what?"
Margaret lifted an eyebrow. "That this isn't temporary."
Pauline finally met her gaze.
There was no surprise there, only acceptance.
"You knew," Pauline said softly.
Margaret smiled. "Did you really think I wouldn't?"
Pauline let out a small breath, something between a laugh and a sigh. "I didn't want to burden him. He has been through enough."
"And you?" Margaret asked quietly. "When do you stop carrying everything alone?"
Pauline looked down at her hands.
"I don't know," she admitted. "I just know I can't leave again. Not this time."
Margaret reached across the table, resting her hand over Pauline's.
"I don't know what Jack said to you," she said honestly. "And I won't ask."
Pauline's throat tightened, but she said nothing.
"But whatever choice you make," Margaret continued, her voice steady, unwavering, "you will not make it alone. You never have."
Pauline blinked hard.
