CATHERINE
By the time the last winner had come up to claim their prize, a giant teddy bear and a dinner voucher, Ronald had made his way closer.
“You ready?” he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear it.
I hesitated, glancing around. Everything was winding down. Ellie was blowing kisses at a small group of kids while nurses packed up decorations.
“Yeah,” I finally said. “Let me grab my bag.”
He offered his arm, and after a moment’s hesitation, I took it. It felt… natural. Way too natural.
The drive to the town gala was quiet at first, a soft instrumental playing in the background as the town rolled past in festive blurs of gold and white lights.
Then Ronald spoke.
“I meant what I said, you know.”
I looked at him. “About the donation?”
“About why I came,” he said, eyes
