THE CAFÉ
Helen hummed softly as the two of them walked into the quiet café she had chosen for their lunch. The place was small but cozy, with light wooden furniture and large windows letting in the afternoon sun. She led Ethan to a corner booth, away from the mild chatter of the other patrons.
Ethan followed her, his movements robotic. He sat across from Helen and offered her a small smile, but his mind was elsewhere.
Helen opened the menu and glanced up at him, her brow furrowing slightly as she noticed his faraway expression. "They have the best pasta here," she said, attempting to pull him into the moment.
"Mm," Ethan murmured absently, his gaze fixed on a spot just past her shoulder.
Helen sighed and set the menu down. She didn’t need to be a mind reader to know what was going on
