The door clicked shut behind Samuel, leaving a sudden quiet in his absence. Amelia caught Alan's eye across the table, and the two of them shared a look that needed no translation.
"That was," she began, picking up her fork.
"Subtle as a bulldozer," Alan replied with the faintest pull of a smile at one corner of his mouth.
Amelia let out a short laugh before she could stop herself. "I have never seen someone flee from food that quickly. It was like I had placed poison in front of him."
There was no need for further commentary. They began to eat without rushing to fill the silence. The quiet between them did not feel forced or awkward. It was simply there, calm and steady like a comfortable blanket. Alan found it strange how natural it felt. No performance. No shallow chatter. Just a peaceful moment shared over good food.
