Chapter 4 — Daniel Notices His Mother's Eyes
# The Glass of Orange Juice
## Chapter 4 — Daniel Notices His Mother's Eyes
Daniel had spent his entire career negotiating billion-dollar business deals.
He had learned one simple lesson.
People could lie.
Eyes rarely did.
He looked carefully at his mother.
Helen couldn't form complete sentences.
But her frightened eyes told a story words never could.
He quietly asked,
"Mom..."
"Did someone hurt you?"
Helen blinked twice.
Daniel remembered something.
After the stroke, her therapist had created a simple communication system.
One blink meant no.
Two blinks meant yes.
His heart tightened.
He asked another question.
"Was it Victoria?"
Helen slowly closed her eyes.
Then opened them.
Once.
Twice.
Daniel remained perfectly still.
Victoria laughed nervously.
"Daniel..."
"She's confused."
"The doctors warned us about that."
Daniel didn't answer.
Instead, he picked up the crystal glass.
Most of the orange juice had spilled.
But something seemed strange.
The liquid carried a faint bitter smell.
Not normal orange juice.
Daniel quietly turned toward Emma.
"Did you prepare this?"
Emma shook her head immediately.
"No."
"I've never seen that glass before."
Victoria interrupted.
"I made it myself."
Daniel looked at her.
"You've never made juice for my mother before."
Silence.
For the first time since they married...
Victoria couldn't think of an answer.
