Reynold’s POV
The clinking of plates and spoons filled the silence as we ate. No one spoke until Mom broke the stillness.
“I think it’s time for you to get married,” she blurted out. My hand froze mid-air, the food on my fork forgotten. I set it down immediately.
“You aren’t getting any younger, and your father and I want to see our grandchildren,” she added.
“I’m not ready to get married,” I muttered, suddenly losing my appetite. “I’ll be moving out soon.”
“You don’t have to,” Dad said quickly, a hint of fear in his tone. “Your mother won’t bring it up again.”
“It’s not that.” I shook my head. “I’m too old to still be living here. I only stayed because I just got back and needed time to find a good apartment. But I can’t stay anymore.”
Mom sighed but nodded. “Alright then,” she agr
