(Noah)
I stayed in the kitchen for a while, the glass in my hand. The quiet felt different tonight. Not empty, not tense. Just still.
I set the glass down and walked into the living room. I did not turn the lights on yet. I could see enough. I sat down and leaned back.
My mind did not stay blank for long. It went straight to her. It always did.
The way she had looked at me last night stayed with me. Not closed off, not fully open either. Somewhere in between. That was new. Before, she had been clear, firm, no room for anything else. Last night had not been like that.
She had said no. I respected that. But she had not shut me out. That was the difference.
I got up and turned the lights on. Sitting there was not going to help. I needed something to do. I checked my phone. A few message
