[PEARL]
I was preparing for one of our weekend hangouts. Jeff and I had planned something different this time. It was a high-end restaurant. I chose a simple dress, nothing too fancy, but enough to show that I made an effort. As I entered the restaurant, Jeff stood up, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he smiled.
“You look nice, Pearl,” he said, his tone casual but sincere.
“Thanks, Jeff. You don’t look too bad yourself,” I replied, trying to keep the mood light despite the nervousness I felt in my stomach.
We were seated at a secluded corner table, the environment was cool and I felt the calm evening breeze. The conversation flowed easily, as it always did with Jeff. But as we finished our meal, I noticed a shift in Jeff’s demeanor.
“Are you okay, Jeff?” I asked.
He exhaled deepl
