The dining room glowed with a kind of quiet comfort Ethan wasn't used to anymore.
Candles burned low in their glass holders.
The scent of roasted herbs and warm bread filled the air, wrapping itself around the corners of the house like something familiar trying to return.
Richard sat at the head of the table, jacket removed, sleeves rolled neatly.
Sarah moved between plates with effortless grace, placing them down like she was restoring order one dish at a time.
Ethan stepped in slowly.
No dramatic entrance.
Just presence.
Sarah looked up first, her expression softening immediately.
"There he is."
Ethan's mouth twitched.
"I didn't disappear."
"You did," she said simply, pulling out his chair. "For weeks."
The words weren't sharp.
They were honest.
Ethan sat.
Richard glanced up over his glasses.
"You're joining us."
Ethan nodded once.
"Yeah."
A pause.
Then Richard, quieter, "Good."
Sarah sat beside Richard, folding her napkin.
