When Emma arrived at Dave’s house, the familiar sight of his front porch only deepened her anxiety. She knocked, her hand shaking as she waited. Dave opened the door, looking startled to see her standing there.
“Emma, hey. What’s up?” he asked, but his voice was tight, hesitant. “Is Mark here?” she asked, her voice shaking with the tension she could no longer hide.
Dave hesitated for a moment before responding. “Yeah, he’s here. He’s been staying with me for a bit.” Emma’s heart sank. “For a bit?” she echoed, her voice barely a whisper. “You know what’s going on, don’t you?”
Dave looked away, his face darkening. “I—I didn’t think you’d find out like this.”