When I stepped inside, I noticed it was fairly quiet. It didn't seem like his dad was home, and I didn't hear his mom downstairs.

"So, what is the plan for today?" I asked Mason. He shrugged.

"Uh, I think my mom was going to go to the cemetery... but we don't have to go if you don't want to," he replied, not meeting my eyes.

"Do you want to go?" I asked gently.

"I-I um..." His eyebrows furrowed and he paused, the like idea of an opinion never crossed his mind until this moment. "I think... I think my mom would like it if she had some company." He settled on.

"So we'll go," I replied softly. Mason's shoulders seemed to relax slightly.

"Thanks," he said quietly. I gave him a little smile before I took my shoes off.

"Did you have breakfast?" I asked. He shook his head. "Come on then," I said, motioning him to follow me into the kitchen.

"You don't have to –"

"I want to. How's eggs with toast?" I asked, interrupting him. Mason nodded, leaning against the counter. 

I quickly got to work and cracked four eggs into a warm pan, in case his mom wanted any when she came downstairs. I also put the water on for coffee or in Mason's case, hot chocolate. Once the eggs were almost ready, I popped four slices of toast in the toaster as well. The cozy and delicious smell of the breakfast cooking sent my stomach rumbling, reminding me I hadn't eaten either. While I didn't like eggs, I certainly would be grabbing some toast.

I handed Mason a plate with everything on it, and a mug of hot chocolate once it was ready.

"Thank you," Mason said with a small smile. It didn't quite meet his eyes but I didn't expect otherwise.

We sat down at the table across from each other. I buttered my toast and we ate quietly. I didn't want to force any conversation, but rather just be in the room with him. Soon, Annalise also came downstairs and said hello.

She was in a nice black knit sweater dress with leggings underneath. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and though she looked nice, I could tell she was exhausted.

"Charlie made breakfast,' Mason said. "There's some in the kitchen."

"Thank you love, that's very kind of you," Annalise said.

"Of course," I replied. "Oh, there's water for coffee as well!" She gave me a small smile and headed into the kitchen.

"Speaking of coffee, what number is that?" Mason asked, eyeing my cup. His eyebrows creased with worry.

"Technically, 2.5 since I didn't pour a full one," I answered with a teasing wink, trying to ease his concern.

"It's barely eleven," he replied.

"It's good coffee," I smiled reassuringly.

Before he could press the topic, Annalise walked into the room.

"Are you both coming with me?" she asked. Mason and I nodded, standing up at the same time.

***

When we arrived at the cemetery, I noticed the clouds were grey, which felt very fitting for the day. The car ride was near silent, the ambient sounds of the car moving through traffic filling the air. We parked and walked for a few minutes before arriving at a headstone that read "Sophia Grey".

Mason glanced around as subtly as he could, probably wondering if his father would show up. Then Annalise's shoulder hunched over and she covered her face pulling his attention to her. Mason's shoulders stiffened in response and a more distant and neutral expression washed over his face. He wrapped an arm around her while she cried, but his brave face didn't budge.

It made me sad for him, knowing that he was in pain didn't feel like he could show it too since he had to worry about his mom. I gently placed a hand on his back letting him know I was there for him. His shoulders loosened slightly despite his facade never dropping.

Then the three of us stayed like that until they were ready to go.

_____

Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Stay tuned for one next week!