Lauren sat on the park bench, pulling her jacket tighter against the chilly breeze. Sophie darted across the grass, giggling as she chased a pigeon that clearly wanted no part of her energy. It should’ve been one of those carefree moments—the kind where she could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the simplicity of it all.
But something felt off.
She glanced at Larry, who stood a few feet away, hands shoved deep into his pockets. He looked... different. Not in an obvious way, but in the way that made her stomach twist a little.
His usual energy, that constant buzz of life he carried with him, wasn’t there. Instead, his shoulders slumped slightly, his gaze unfocused. Even the way he smiled at Sophie lacked the usual spark.
Lauren nudged him lightly with her elbow. “Hey, you good?”
Larry b
