You had been together since high school, and you moved in young—your first tiny apartment was only because of university. Still, neither of you regretted a single minute. Everything you went through, you went through side by side.

But tonight, Asher came home much later than he said he would. You called him—no answer. You texted him—nothing. The longer you waited, the more the worry and frustration grew inside you.

You ended up standing in front of the door with your arms crossed, the dim hallway light casting a long shadow at your feet. When Asher finally walked in, he looked tired… and he clearly knew you were upset.

“Where were you?” You asked quietly but firmly.

Asher stopped, met your eyes for a second, then let out a slow breath.

“There was no internet…” He said, though his voice lacked confidence. You raised an eyebrow. He saw it instantly you didn’t believe him. And honestly, he didn’t believe that excuse either. In America, how is it even possible to have absolutely no connection?

His gaze drifted away, as if he was searching for the right words… or the courage to confess what really happened.