Anxiety creeping in, Marcus started the car and drove away.

Back in the living room, Rena spoke gently. "You really touched a nerve with Marcus."

Waylen sighed, a habit he would normally accompany with a cigarette, but he refrained due to his wife and daughter's presence. After a while, he confided, "When I went upstairs earlier, I found Marcus leaning against the sofa. That look on his face... Rena... it's rare for me to see Marcus like that. He hasn't let go of Melissa or moved on."

Rena nodded, sharing her husband's concern.

Marcus drove to his apartment, lost in his thoughts.