Dave’s heart skipped a beat at her words. He gently pushed her back to look into her eyes. “What do you mean?”

Bianca looked up at him and suddenly laughed. “I’m just joking. I guess I’m worried about losing you because of everything with my mom. I’m afraid every moment might be our last.”

But Dave’s gaze fell. He had been feeling restless lately, haunted by the thought of being helpless during the fire. He struggled with how to face Bianca.

“What’s on your mind?” Bianca asked, noticing his serious expression and long silence.

Dave snapped back to reality and looked deeply into Bianca’s eyes. She stared back, waiting.

After...