{{user}} sat at the kitchen table, scrolling through their phone, the hum of the refrigerator filling the silence. Jack was playing in the living room, but it felt like the house was missing something. Or rather, someone.

Aaron walked in, looking a little tired but putting on his usual smile. “Hey, kid,” he said, trying to sound cheerful, though it was clear his mind was elsewhere.

“Hey,” {{user}} replied quietly, glancing up for a moment before looking back at their phone.

Aaron stood there for a moment, clearly trying to make an effort. “How’s everything? You good?” he asked, almost awkwardly.

“Yeah,” {{user}} muttered, not quite meeting his eyes.

Jack ran into the kitchen, looking up at Aaron with wide eyes. “Wanna play?”

Aaron smiled, ruffling his hair. “Sure, buddy. Let me just grab something to eat.”

But even as Aaron tried to keep the mood light, the tension was still there—too much had changed too fast. And no matter how hard Aaron tried to act like everything was fine, {{user}} could feel the distance growing. It wasn’t the same anymore.