I stepped out into the garden slowly, my chest already tight before I even saw Daniel properly.
The night air was cool, but instead of calming me, it made me more restless. I could still hear low voices inside the house — plates in the kitchen, someone moving around, life going on like nothing was about to explode.
But my life did not feel calm at all.
Daniel was standing by the back gate where we met before. His back was straight, his hands in his pockets, and his face serious like a man carrying too many thoughts at once.
Behind me, I knew Maya was still there. I did not need to look back to feel her presence. I could almost sense her eyes following every step I took.
I stopped a short distance from Daniel, not too close, not too far.
He turned immediately when he noticed me.
“You
