She remembered her late nephew, who also lacked the warmth of family, a wave of empathy washing over her.

"So, you've had it tough, too. Pull up a chair. Karina, why not keep Carlow company? I'll whip up something in the kitchen," she said warmly, motioning towards the sofa.

“Haleigh, let me give you a hand." Karina offered, eager to assist.

“No need, just chat with Carlow for a bit,"

Haleigh replied with a dismissive wave, heading towards the kitchen with a renewed spring in her step.

Watching Haleigh's retreating figure, Karina pursed her lips in contemplation.

Everyone craved companionship. Since Barlow's passing, Haleigh had been in a slump.

But Carlow's presence seemed to lighten her mood, if only slightly.

And that was a hopeful sign.

Yet, Karina thought they didn't really know much about him. Could his kindness be a facade?

With this suspicion in mind, she motioned towards the sofa. "Please, make yourself comfortable, Mr. Tucker."

She felt the urge to unravel the mystery surrounding him.

"Just Carlow," he said, following her to the living room and settling onto the sofa.

Karina nodded, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Okay, Carlow. Your accent, it's not from around here. Where do you come from?"

Carlow looked at her briefly. Wasn't she prying too much?

A flicker of discomfort crossed his face. "My roots are here, but life's taken me to different places, hence the accent.”

"And what do you do for work?" Karina inquired further.

"I'm not particularly skilled. Used to be in business, but a setback left me disabled and without a job, so I'm stuck at home."

A shadow of sadness clouded Carlow's eyes, revealing a deep sense of loneliness and despair.

Karina studied him intently, noticing the honesty in his demeanor, realizing her initial skepticism might have been unjust.