Dinner was calm at first. The table was quiet, only the sound of cutlery and soft music playing in the background could be heard.
Jasmine sat between her parents, eating slowly, lost in thought.
Then her father cleared his throat. "Jasmine," her father said, his voice firm and steady.
She looked up from her plate. "Yes, Dad?"
Across the table, her mother shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She reached for her water glass but didn't drink. Jasmine noticed the change in the room. Something was off.
Her father placed his fork down. His expression was serious, more serious than she had seen in a long time.
"I didn't want to bring this up during dinner," he began, "but I think you should be aware of the recent happenings."
Jasmine straightened in her chair. The tension in her father's voice made her nervous. She watched his face, searching for a clue.
"What's going on?" she asked cautiously, looking between her father and mother.
