Chapter 22

• As we walked into my apartment, the familiar scent of coffee lingered in the air, blending with the faint aroma of the leftover takeout we had indulged in earlier. Janine kicked off her shoes by the door and stretched, a content sigh escaping her lips. I admired her carefree spirit, the way she could effortlessly shed the burdens of the day. I wished I could be more like that.
• Once we settled down, I stole a glance around my living room—a cozy mix of books and plants, a testament to my efforts to create a warm sanctuary. But tonight, the space felt heavy with unsaid words, emotions swirling beneath the surface like a storm waiting to break.
• “Want some wine?” I asked, rummaging through the cabinet. The familiar ritual of pouring a glass felt comforting, but I knew this wouldn’t be an easy conversation.