Sure, Laura needs support, but don't your own children need you?

Cecilia is strong and considerate, but that's no excuse to neglect her."

Zoey scoffed after her piece.

“Mark, perhaps you're better off alone."

His smile deepened in bitterness.

Zoey felt a surge of satisfaction post-tirade.

She presumed Edwin shared her triumph. Fetching a stool, she settled before her grandson, fanning him, her voice softer now.

“What you did wasn't right, Edwin. But it's not entirely your fault you reacted that way."

She dabbed at Edwin's brow, resolute.

"If you're set on kneeling, you won't do it alone."

Mark felt defeated by Zoey's barrage.

Indeed, Zoey disapproved of Edwin's actions; she recognized his mistake. But she'd chosen to berate Mark first, and he had buckled.

As Zoey consoled Edwin, Mark felt increasingly powerless.

Cradling Olivia, he mustered a sardonic tone, "Olivia, after such an earful, you must be exhausted. How about some milk?"

Zoey countered, "In this heat? Constant milk will cause her internal heat to rise."

Mark conceded with a smile, “You have a point."

He pondered momentarily, and then declared, “Alright, I'll prepare dinner just for the kids. Mashed potatoes and apple pie for Olivia, and seafood spaghetti for our stubborn young man. He's been kneeling so long; he needs to refuel... Hey silly boy, can you at least give a timeframe for your penance? I need to time the cooking so it's ready when you are."

Edwin remained mute.

"You see how upset he is?" Zoey chided.

With Olivia in tow, Mark headed to the kitchen. They'd barely taken a few steps when Cecilia returned.