She nods casually, but when our eyes meet, I feel her gaze lingering, as if she knows there's more I'm not saying.
As if she senses that I'm not just avoiding dinner, but something much deeper.
"Have fun, dear," she finally says, and I don't wait another second.
I leave the house quickly, as if physical distance could also mean emotional distance. The fresh air greets me like a liberating embrace.
But deep down, I know this escape is only temporary.
I know I can't avoid the truth that haunts me for much longer.
*****
As we watch Ethan spin on the carousel, his laughter mingles with the nostalgic music of the merry-go-round. The fresh air gently stirs the loose strands of my hair, but I hardly notice. My attention is divided: on one side, on Ethan, so innocent, so unaware of everythi
