Vivian nodded.
Mike hesitated. “That’s a heavy load,” he said.
I brushed it aside. Hard work builds character, right?
Soon, she was studying every night at the dining table. Schedules color-coded. Deadlines mapped out. I helped her optimize everything.
Mike would interrupt with snacks. Suggest breaks. I thought he was just being soft.
Then the ice cream trips began.
At first, they seemed sweet — little rewards after long study sessions. They’d come home laughing.
But winter arrived, and the trips kept happening. Longer than expected. Later than comfortable.
When I asked where they went, the answers felt vague.
My gut wouldn’t settle.
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