The ride back into town was quiet, not tensed just too quiet.
Aec didn't speak, just drove like the road owed him something. His hands gripped the steering wheel with that same silent authority he carried everywhere. I couldn't tell if he was deep in thought or just done with me. Either way, I didn't ask.
When he pulled up in front of my house, he didn't even bother killing the engine.
"This is you," he said simply.
No goodbye. No see-you-later.
Just that flat, cold, final.
I stared at him for a moment, hoping maybe he'd say something else. He didn't. So I got out, slammed the door a little harder than I meant to, and walked away without looking back.
We parted like strangers.
Inside, the silence was too loud.
I kicked off my shoes, dumped my bag on the couch, and pulled out my phone. The first thing I did was text Maxie.
Me: I'm home.
Before I could even drop the phone, it started ringing.
Of course it was Maxie
