The interview was still ongoing, Viola's soft laughter echoing through thousands of speakers across the country.
In two completely different places, two men watched her at the same time.
But the emotions in their hearts could not have been more different.
---
In Viola's living room, the atmosphere was quiet.
Only the television illuminated the room, its pale glow stretching across the walls and reflecting faintly in the window.
Ezekiel sat on the couch, his posture straight yet relaxed, though his eyes were were not.
They were locked onto the screen.
Elizabeth sat beside him, her legs tucked neatly under her as she watched with obvious excitement. Unlike Ezekiel, she reacted to every cheer from the audience, every compliment the host gave Viola.
But Ezekiel remained silent.
On the screen, Viola smiled gently as Daniel teased her about never having dated anyone before.
The crowd laughed at this and Viola laughed a little too.
Ezekiel's fingers curled slightly on his knee.
