Chapter 16

• The soft glow of candlelight flickered in the dimly lit restaurant, casting shadows on the walls as Ethan sat across from Sarah. The clinking of silverware and the murmur of conversations around them faded into the background, but Ethan’s mind was elsewhere. He stared at his plate, pushing the food around, his expression distant.
• “Ethan, you’re awfully quiet tonight,” Sarah said, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. She leaned forward, her blonde hair framing her face. “What’s going on?”
• He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just tired, Sarah. It’s been a long week.”