Kevin stepped back into the room, his footsteps heavier than usual. Forcing a smile, he clapped his hands together and said, "Why's everyone so quiet? Come on, let's keep drinking."
But no one answered. The air was thick, awkward. They could all see it, the redness in Kevin's eyes, the way his smile trembled at the edges. He tried to keep up his usual cheerful front, but it was too transparent.
Julian finally broke the silence. "It's okay to cry, you know."
Kevin froze for a second, then forced a laugh. "What do you mean?" he asked, still wearing that fragile grin.
Julian's gaze stayed steady. "I mean you don't have to hide how you feel. Pretending otherwise is just lying to yourself."
Leighton nodded softly and added, "Julian's right. And… we owe you an apology. We overheard your conversation with Her. But because of that, we also know you shouldn't carry this weight alone. Let us share it. We can help."
