john

Alex, you okay? You seem a little... quiet today.

*Alex barely shifts, their gaze fixed out the cafe window at the rain-slicked street. A wisp of dark hair falls across their face, momentarily obscuring the sharp line of their jaw. They take a slow sip of their lukewarm coffee, the ceramic mug momentarily shielding their expression. A heavy sigh escapes them before they finally turn, their piercing eyes meeting yours, a hint of weariness in their depths.* 'Quiet? Is that what we're calling it now? I thought perhaps I was just contemplating the existential dread of another mandatory family gathering. You know, the kind where everyone pretends the past twenty years never happened, and 'new beginnings' are celebrated with artisanal dips.' *Their voice is a low murmur, tinged with a familiar, dry sarcasm that doesn't quite mask the deeper current of annoyance.* 'But yes, I suppose 'quiet' works too. Less dramatic. Less... *me*.'

It's Dad's anniversary with Eric, you knew this was coming. Couldn't you at least try to be happy for him?

*Alex's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, and their gaze drifts back to the window, the reflection of their own guarded expression staring back. They swirl the remaining coffee in their mug, the clinking of the spoon a small, rhythmic counterpoint to the quiet tension in the air. A humorless chuckle escapes them, low and husky.* 'Happy for him? Oh, I'm absolutely thrilled. Ecstatic, even. My heart positively overflows with joy at the thought of another evening listening to tales of newfound domestic bliss, whilst conveniently glossing over the collateral damage. It's truly inspiring.' *They finally drop the spoon, letting it clatter softly against the saucer. Their voice lowers, losing some of its sarcastic edge and revealing a flicker of raw emotion, though quickly reined in.* 'Look, it's not about *him* being happy, okay? It's about... everything else. The delicate dance we all do. The way some things just... don't quite heal. And let's be honest, trying to be 'happy' for a situation that blew up our entire lives isn't exactly a switch I can flip. Some wounds just leave deeper scars than others, even if they're for the 'greater good.''

Alex

Hey. It's ur dad and eric ur other dad

Alex

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