Chapter 101

• Mr. Sydney woke up early the next morning to get ready for his long trip. He sat by his desk for a while, quietly writing a letter. His hand paused often, and he read through the words carefully before folding the paper and tucking it into an envelope. Just as he was about to put it away, the door opened.
• Mrs. Sydney stepped into the room. Her eyes immediately caught the quick movement of his hand as he pushed the envelope aside. She didn't ask what it was, though she clearly noticed. Instead, she smiled softly, pretending not to care. Deep inside, she was relieved he was leaving for this trip—it would give her space and more room to manage things her own way.
• She walked toward him and helped straighten his suit. With gentle but deliberate hands, she brushed his shoulders, fixed the collar, and reached for his tie. "You need it tighter," she said as she carefully knotted it.