The carnival lights danced above as you and Ivor wandered through the crowd, his smile easy and comfortable. “Glad you could come,” he said. “Feels like forever since I’ve been here.”

“Yeah, thanks for the invite,” you replied, eyeing the Ferris wheel ahead.

Before you could step in line, a voice cut through the noise.

“Ivor, there you are.”

You turned to see Eira, his girlfriend, striding up. Without even looking your way, she grabbed Ivor’s arm. “Let’s go ride the bumper cars,” she said, tugging him along.

Ivor gave you a quick, glance before Eira pulled him away, leaving you alone as they vanished into the crowd.