Lucy pushed the door open gently and stepped inside, dropping her bag by the chair.
"I'm home," she called out.
"In the kitchen!" her mother's voice came immediately.
Lucy slipped off her shoes and walked in, the familiar smell of stew filling the air.
Mrs. Annabella stood by the stove, stirring slowly. "You're back early today."
Lucy shook her head. "Not really. Same time."
Her mother smiled faintly. "Hmm… it just feels earlier."
Lucy noticed it then—the slight tiredness in her voice.
"Where's Papa?" she asked.
"In the sitting room."
Lucy nodded and walked out, finding her father seated on the couch, staring at nothing in particular. The television was on, but the volume was low.
"Good evening, Papa," she said softly.
Mr. Joe looked up quickly, as if he hadn't noticed her come in. "Ah, Lucy. You're back."
She smiled a little. "Yes. How was work today?"
He hesitated.
Lucy caught it immediately.
"It was… fine," he said, adjusting his position.
Lucy didn't move. "Just fine?"
He let out a small breath. "Work is work."
She sat down beside him. "Papa."
He glanced at her, then looked away again.
"Something happened?" she asked gently.
Before he could answer, Ruben walked in, dropping his bag on the floor.
"I'm starving!" he announced. "Mama, is food ready?"
Mrs. Annabella's voice came from the kitchen. "Almost! Go and wash your hands first."
Ruben groaned. "Why is food never ready when I'm ready?"
Lucy laughed softly. "Because you're always ready before time."
Ruben rolled his eyes but grinned. "One day, I'll eat before all of you."
"Keep dreaming," Lucy replied.
He walked off toward the bathroom, still muttering.
Lucy turned back to her father. "You were saying?"
Mr. Joe sighed quietly, rubbing his hands together.
"They said they might reduce workers," he said finally.
Lucy's expression softened. "Reduce workers?"
He nodded. "Business hasn't been going well. They're cutting down expenses."
Lucy stayed quiet, listening.
"They haven't said anything final," he added quickly. "Just… discussions."
"Does it affect you?" she asked.
He gave a small, tired smile. "It affects everyone."
Lucy looked down for a moment, then back at him. "But you've been there for years."
"Yes," he said. "But these things… they don't always consider that."
There was a pause.
Lucy placed her hand gently over his. "It'll be fine, Papa."
He looked at her, his eyes softening. "You always say that."
"Because it's true," she replied quietly.
Ruben returned, wiping his hands. "What are you two talking about?"
"Nothing serious," Mr. Joe said quickly.
Ruben frowned slightly. "Hmm… it didn't sound like 'nothing serious.'"
Lucy smiled. "Just work talk."
Ruben dropped onto the couch. "Work is always serious. That's why I don't want to start working yet."
Mr. Joe chuckled lightly. "Enjoy that freedom while you can."
"I will," Ruben said proudly. "I plan to enjoy it very well."
Lucy laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Come and eat!" Mrs. Annabella called.
They all stood up and moved to the dining table.
As they sat, Mrs. Annabella looked at her husband. "You're quiet today."
"I'm just tired," he replied.
She studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Eat first."
Ruben was already serving himself. "Mama, this stew smells amazing."
"It always does," Lucy said.
"True," Ruben agreed, smiling.
They began eating, the clinking of spoons filling the space.
After a moment, Mrs. Annabella spoke again, her voice calm. "Joe… did something happen at work?"
Mr. Joe paused, then sighed softly. "They're talking about reducing staff."
Ruben stopped eating. "Reducing? Like… people will lose their jobs?"
"It's not confirmed," Mr. Joe said. "Just discussions."
Ruben frowned. "That's not good."
Lucy glanced at him. "Eat your food first."
"I am eating," he said, but his tone had softened.
Mrs. Annabella placed her hand gently on the table. "We'll be fine."
Mr. Joe nodded slowly. "Yes… we will."
Lucy looked around the table—at her father trying to stay calm, her mother holding the family together, and Ruben suddenly quieter than usual.
She picked up her spoon again.
"Tomorrow will be better," she said softly.
Ruben looked at her and gave a small nod. "Yeah."
Mr. Joe smiled faintly. "It will."
The conversation slowly shifted back to lighter things—Ruben talking about school, Lucy correcting him, their mother laughing softly.
But underneath it all, something small had changed.
Not enough to break anything.
Just enough to be felt.