Autumn

　　"Yesterday, you promised," His mention of our missed drink appointment from yesterday caught me off guard. I attempted to respond, but words failed me. Mason chuckled softly, reading my silence effortlessly. "No need to explain," he reassured me with a knowing grin. "I know you've been busy," he concluded, his understanding drawing a genuine smile from me.

　　"Thanks for understanding," I replied sincerely, appreciating his empathy in a world where trust was ...