Her eyes closed briefly.
Too late.
She already knew the truth she was trying to outrun.
She was not falling.
She had fallen.
--
Zayn glanced sideways briefly.
She thought he hadn’t noticed.
But he had seen the moment her breathing changed.
Seen her shoulders stiffen slightly.
Seen the quiet war she carried behind composed stillness.
He did not speak.
His grip on the steering wheel tightened almost imperceptibly.
Say something.
Ask if she’s alright.
Tell her she doesn’t have to carry everything alone.
Tell her—
He exhaled slowly.
No.
Do not push.
Do not risk breaking what exists.
So he drove in silence, every unsaid word pressing heavier against his ribs.
--
At a red light, the babies stirred softly behind them.
Both parents turned at the same time.
Their eyes met o
