Daniel:
“Why wouldn’t I?”
It comes out clean. Easy. Like it belongs there.
Maria doesn’t answer right away. I can feel her eyes on the side of my face, searching for something I’m not ready to give. I keep my gaze fixed on the road, fingers steady on the wheel.
It’s easier this way.
If I look at her too long, I might say something that breaks the version of this I’ve been maintaining.
The car stays quiet after that. Not tense. Just… aware. The low hum of the engine fills the space while streetlights slide across the dashboard in slow gold streaks. She shifts once in her seat, like she’s about to speak, then decides against it.
Good.
Silence is manageable.
I drop her off at her building. She murmurs a soft goodnight, already halfway out the door. I nod. Wait until she closes it beh
