They both sat down without saying much.
She reached for the teapot and poured quietly—no dramatic movements, no extra words. The steam rose slowly, curling in the air like it had nowhere else to go.
The tea wasn't anything fancy—it was just warm, clean, and a little earthy. No sweet aftertaste, no sharp bitterness. Just… simple.
Ethan took a sip. He let the warmth settle in his mouth and then down through his chest. His shoulders eased back without him realizing it.
He wasn't tired exactly, just—less sharp now. Like the tension that had been hiding in his chest finally started to melt away.
"I don't have time to go slow," he said, his voice barely more than a breath.
Ardis didn't say anything right away. She looked at him—not analyzing or picking him apart like some kind of teacher—but like she was seeing who he is.
"You remind me of someone," she said softly. Her tone had changed. Less stiff, less formal. A little quieter.
Ethan looked up, curious, but didn't push.
