"What's going on?" Philip asked quietly.
Marie looked down at the cup of warm water resting between her hands before slowly shaking her head. The ceramic was smooth against her palms, a small comfort in the midst of uncertainty. The water was still warm, but she could feel it cooling, just like the hope that flickered in her chest. She stared at the faint ripples on the surface, watching them settle into stillness.
"I'm just as confused as you are."
They sat side by side on a wooden bench beneath the shade of a large tree. The leaves rustled overhead, casting dappled shadows across their faces. The bark was rough against her back. Around them, people moved calmly through what appeared to be a park. Birds chirped overhead, their songs a gentle backdrop to the quiet activity.
