Everyone else had been picked up, leaving Zoey still chatting with her former coworker. She had left in such a hurry back then, without a proper farewell.


    Fitch was watching from a short distance, barely blinking.


    The party was almost over, and he had to pick up Maja. Would Fitch let Zoey go home alone tonight?


    Fitch looked down at his wine, his voice rough. "Let her enjoy the moment a bit longer."


    If he went over, she wouldn''t smile as brightly.


    Now, standing there quietly watching Zoey chat, Fitch''s mncholy was palpable.


    When she was finally alone, Fitch slowly approached.


    The smile on Zoey''s face faded a bit, but she didn''t make a fuss, quietly following him.


    The party''s end left a lingering silence.


    Zoey spotted Nn waiting not far away. It was rare for Nn to attend such events; he was there because of Zoey.


    Her smile returned as she waved to Nn. "Nn."


    Nn''s head shot up, his eyes sparkling at the sight of her.


    Zoey hurried over and hugged him. "Did you make any friends tonight?"


    Nn looked up at Fitch, a few steps away. Fitch stood there, illuminated by the bright lights of the evening, yet enveloped in solitude.


    He guessed that mommy hadn''t talked to daddy tonight.


    "Yes, daddy, hug."


    He stretched his arms towards Fitch, who came closer to pick him up. Throughout this, Fitch had to stay close to Zoey.


    Zoey wasn''t fooled; she saw through her child''s intention. The sincerity and sensitivity of a child''s world are profound; how could they not sense the subtle rift between her and Fitch?


    But nobody spoke of it, the adults'' pretense of peace inflicting endless harm on the child.


    Though they had agreed to stay together, it was with an awkward coexistence.


    Without speaking, after returning home, Nn grabbed Zoey''s hand. "Mommy, daddy''s burning up."


    Zoey froze, then looked at Fitch


    seem the couch, who indeed et


    seemed off. It appeared he had been holding himself together all evening.


    She approached, touching his forehead. "Fitch?"


    His forehead was burning, his eyes slightly delirious.


    "You have a fever, I''ll call the doctor."


    After staring at her for a few


    her


    5 his arms, and found fort


    in calling out, "Honey, I feekawful." Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!