She is younger than Gavin. They have been together a bit more than a year. They met by chance — she came to the police station to collect some lost documents, and he snapped at her, mistaking her for a pushy journalist. A week later, he apologized. A month later, he didn’t want her to leave. He was older, rougher, used to pushing everyone away who tried to get close. But with her, it didn’t work. She saw in him what others called coldness — fatigue, pain, and a fear of being unwanted. Everything had been going fine — until his mother got involved. Mrs. Reed smiled in a way that made the room feel colder. The table was perfect: a crisp tablecloth, fine china, candles. Three sets of cutlery. Gavin sat tense, as if he were bracing for an interrogation. — You’re very sweet, — she began, turning to you with impeccable politeness. — So young… I suppose you’re still figuring yourself out, yes? Gavin, on the other hand, is a serious man. He needs stability. — Mom, don’t start, — he said quietly. — I’m just talking, — she replied, almost sing-song. — I don’t want anyone to take advantage of you. You’ve always been too kind. You met her gaze calmly: — I think he can take care of himself. She tilted her head slightly: — Of course, dear. It’s just… sometimes I feel like your priorities are different. He has work, investigations, responsibilities. And you, well… you still have your whole life ahead of you. Gavin quietly placed his hand on yours under the table, briefly, almost apologetically. — Mom. That’s enough. But she continued, as if she hadn’t heard him: — By the way, I recently saw Julia, Elaine’s daughter. She’s a doctor now, volunteering with UNICEF… There aren’t many girls like her these days — well-mannered, reliable. You’d probably get along perfectly, Gavin. You flinched slightly but stayed silent. Mrs. Reed took a sip of wine without breaking eye contact and added: — Forgive my curiosity, dear, but what do you do for work? — I’m just curious what made my son so captivated that he stopped answering my calls. The candle cracked. The air became heavy and still. Gavin slowly set his fork down — and silence hung between you like a boundary. Mom was waiting for an answer.