Ethan's head tilted slightly, like the words surprised him, but he did not argue.
"Like the worst thing already happened and you do not get to feel anything about it anymore." Her voice dropped lower. "But that is the thing, Ethan. Just because you have learned to live with it does not mean it ever stopped hurting."
She set her mug down on the counter. Her hand lingered on the handle for a second before she let it go and met his eyes again
"And carrying it that long?" She shook her head. "That does not make you strong. It just makes you tired."
She let that settle between them, then added, steady this time
"You do not have to pretend with me. You can lay it down. Just for a while."
They just stood there, quiet. Not speaking. Not moving. Like even their breath had decide
