The night air was cooler now. Riele stepped out of the restaurant with her arms folded against her chest, trying to hold herself together. Her eyes were dry, but inside, a storm brewed, one she didn’t have the strength to express. Her heels tapped softly against the pavement as she walked toward the curb.

Just then, a familiar silhouette appeared under the streetlight. Jay.

He said nothing at first. His eyes studied her face—her trembling lips, her tired eyes, the way her arms clutched ...