Call me Mom

What was the significance of this question?

Sam didn't know, but he was aware that if his answer wasn't acceptable to her, he might be in danger this very night.

It was just him and Celeste now.

Yet, Sam felt an inescapable sense of crisis.

Was it the immense aura of the woman before him? 

Even without looking, Sam could feel her gaze fixed on him, like a silent judgment.

Despite her words being gentle and calm from the beginning.

No sharp tones, no harsh words.

She seemed like a kind elder, yet her smile sent shivers down one's spine.

It was autumn now, and nights were no longer hot, but Sam's back was already sweating.

Looking at the woman in front of him, who calmly sipped her warm coffee, he broke the silence with his answer after a brief pause.

"There was no deception in my interactions with Angel. I've always been honest with her, so the problem might not necessarily lie with me."