18 Chapter 17: (Diary Entry) Thus Far

Diary Entry; Chapter 1.5: As I stepped into my home, the familiar scent of freshly baked chocolate wafted through the air. My eyes darted towards the kitchen where my mother stood, wearing an apron stained with flour and chocolate. "Hello," she greeted me with a smile before heading toward me, arms wide open for a hug.

As I returned her gesture, I noticed a sense of loneliness etched upon her face. "Mom, how can I help?" I offered, concerned for her emotional state.

My attention shifted when she mentioned that our puppy, Verna, had been spending most of her time alone, playing outside. An uneasy feeling settled within me, wondering what might have caused such behavioral changes from Verna.