Light is bright in the modest living room, spilling through the windows and illuminating the simple furniture.
The quiet presses against everything, heavy and almost palpable, making the faint ticking of a clock feel loud.
Even outside, the air is still, the usual sounds of life muted as if the world itself is holding its breath.
Food sits on the table, the aroma lingering but unnoticed. Axel sits across from Jeremy, his shoulders slumped slightly, his posture carrying the weight of exhaustion.
Both of them look worn from a day spent learning, thinking, trying to push past limits that feel never-ending.
Jeremy is eating methodically, each bite careful, but Axel's plate remains untouched. The fork hovers in his hand for a long moment before lowering, idle. Finally, he speaks, his voice breaking the silence.
"I've been meaning to ask you… where is your mate? Or don't you have one? Haven't heard you talking about her, and now she isn't home with you?"
