-----Elaine-----
At first, I used to sit with them during those evening conversations, trying to contribute, trying to feel like I belonged there. But eventually, I realized I was more of a spectator than a participant. My words didn’t seem to matter—Carla and Kave had a rhythm, a shared understanding I couldn’t quite step into.
It stung at first. I hated how invisible I felt. But ever since the attack, Carla had been so… different. So soft, so agreeable, that I told myself I could let her have this—an hour or so with Kave every night. She needed it, I reasoned. She’d been through something traumatic, and maybe this was her way of coping.
Even if that hour was an hour taken from me.
Even if it meant I barely got to see my mate.
I didn’t want to be the jealous, nagging partner who whin
