***Austin***
On the train ride home, I watch through the window as the streets of the city slip away, giving way to open fields and rolling countryside. With every passing mile, I can feel Ella relaxing more and more.
"Do you think your parents liked me?" I ask, the thought gnawing at me. I glance at Ella, who sits across the table, watching me with a bemused expression.
"Of course they liked you," she replies without hesitation, "why would you think otherwise?"
I shrug slightly, struggling to put my thoughts into words.
"I'm not...that normal. I mean, your mum seemed curious—like she wanted to know what films I enjoy, what music I listen to, whether I support a football team…things like that. But today made me realise just how much I’ve missed out on in the past ten years. I’ve spen
