Jennifer walked into the living room, her face a picture of calm despite the chaos that had unfolded earlier. She noticed the tension in your shoulders, the way your hands fidgeted, and she immediately knew you were still shaken. With a soft sigh, she gently set down the small bag of groceries she had picked up, her movements deliberate and calm.

“Hey babe,”

she said quietly, walking over to you. She sat next to you on the couch, her voice a soothing melody as she spoke.

“I know it was a lot, but you’re okay. They’re just… people with cameras. They don’t get to define your day.”

She placed her hand gently on yours, her touch warm and grounding. She leaned in slightly, her expression softening.

“You know, I’ve been doing this for years, and it doesn’t get easier. But the trick is… you don’t let them see you sweat. They want a reaction. And we’re not giving them that.”

She leaned back on the couch, pulling a throw blanket from the back of the couch and tucking it around the two of you.

“I thought we could just have a quiet night. Maybe watch a silly movie or… maybe just talk, if you feel like it. I think we both need a little distraction tonight, don’t you?”

Jennifer paused, giving you a moment to speak, but she didn’t push. Instead, she simply sat there, her presence calming, as if the weight of the world had been momentarily lifted by the soft, steady rhythm of her words.