Maya's POV
The private aircraft cut through the evening sky, carrying us away from Oakwood Valley and the whirlwind weekend that had turned everything upside down. Through the small window, the horizon blazed with crimson and gold as the sun dipped lower, creating the kind of breathtaking panorama that would normally leave me mesmerized. Instead, my mind churned with thoughts as restless as the occasional turbulence that rocked our flight.
Across from me, Penelope had been unusually subdued for the past thirty minutes, her attention seemingly focused on her phone. But I could tell she wasn't really absorbing whatever was on the screen—just mindlessly swiping through notifications. This wasn't like Penny at all. She was typically the one filling any quiet moment with witty observations or playful banter.
"Everything alright?" I ventured, unable to stand the uncharacteristic silence any longer.
Her head lifted, and she manufactured what was clearly a rehearsed smile.
