**Anna's POV:**

"Thank you," I say.

David nods once without looking back. The road ahead takes his attention and he gives it fully, and that's all — no follow-up, no check-in, just the quiet acknowledgment of a man who understands that sometimes the most useful thing is to say nothing.

I wrap both hands around the thermos and let the warmth move into my palms.

The car is quiet in the way cars are quiet on long night roads — ...