The kettle let out a soft whistle as the water began to boil. Maya quickly turned off the stove and poured the hot water into two mugs. Her hands were still slightly shaky, but she did her best to hide it. She carried the mugs to the table, where Elias sat waiting, calm as ever.

“Thanks,” he said gently, taking the mug from her.

Maya nodded and sat down across from him. For a few moments, they sipped in silence. But the quiet wasn’t uncomfortable—it gave Maya the space to think. She needed to tell him. She couldn’t keep it all bottled up anymore.

“I just got back from seeing...